1. [n]  another word for chromium when it is used in dyes or pigments
2. [v]  treat with a chromium compound
3. [v]  plate with chromium; "chrome bathroom fixtures"

1. \Chrome\, n.
   Same as {Chromium}.
   
   {Chrome alum} (Chem.), a dark violet substance,
      {(SO4)3Cr2.K2SO4.24H2O}, analogous to, and crystallizing
      like, common alum. It is regarded as a double sulphate of
      chromium and potassium.
   
   {Chrome green}
   (a) The green oxide of chromium, {Cr2O3}, used in enamel
       painting, and glass staining.
   (b) A pigment made by mixing chrome yellow with Prussian
       blue.
   
   {Chrome red}, a beautiful red pigment originally prepared
      from the basic chromate of lead, but now made from red
      oxide of lead.
   
   {Chrome yellow}, a brilliant yellow pigment, {PbCrO4}, used
      by painters.
   
   

2. \Chrome\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Chromed}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Chroming}.] [From {Chrome}, n.]
   To treat with a solution of potassium bichromate, as in
   dyeing.
   
   

(From automotive slang via wargaming) Showy features added to attract users but contributing little or nothing to the power of a system.

"The 3D icons in motif are just chrome, but they certainly are *pretty* chrome!"

Chrome is distinguished from bells and whistles by the fact that the latter are usually added to gratify developers' own desires for featurefulness. Often used as a term of contempt and sometimes used in conjunction with 'fluff', "all the fluff and chrome that comes with Motif".

[jargon file]