chrome n.

in reference to color, "intensity of distinctive hue, degree of departure of a color-sensation from that of white or gray," 1889, from Latinized form of Greek khrōma "surface of the body, skin, color of the skin," also used generically for "color" and, in plural, "ornaments, makeup, embellishments," a verbal noun from khroizein "to color, stain, to touch the surface of the body," khrosthenai "to take on a color or hue," from khros, khroia "surface of the body, skin."

Beekes considers this noun to be of uncertain origin. It sometimes is explained as being somehow from PIE *ghreu- "to rub, grind" (see grit (n.)).

metallic element, 1807, Latinized from French chrome (Fourcroy and Haüy), from Greek chroma "color" (see chrome; also see chroma). So called for its colorful compounds. Related: Chromite.

"having or tinted with several or many colors," 1816, from French polychrome, from Latinized form of Greek polykhrōmos (also polykhrōmatos) "many-colored" (see poly- + chrome). As a noun from 1800, "work of art decorated in several colors;" by 1838 as "a fluorescent substance forming prismatic crystals." Related: Polychromic; polychromatic; polychromate.