chrome

Etymology

Borrowed from French chrome.

noun

1. Chromium, when used to plate other metals.
2. (graphical user interface) The basic structural elements used in a graphical user interface, such as window frames and scroll bars, as opposed to the content.
   So, just as a car might have shiny chrome trimming, a bumper, and a grill that cover the vehicle, so the chrome of an OS window surrounds and complements the window itself. Examples of chrome include the title bar, the Minimize/Maximize/Restore buttons, menu bars, and toolbars. 2009, Richard Wagner, Adobe AIR For Dummies, John Wiley & Sons
   Similarly [to the chrome exterior of an automobile], in most modern GUIs, the chrome lives around the edges of the screen, surrounding the middle area, which is dedicated to the user's data. 2012-01-29, Jakob Nielsen, “Browser and GUI Chrome”, in Nielsen Norman Group homepage, Nielsen Norman Group, archived from the original on 2013-03-07
   I had the idea of making our browser chrome match the actual hardware you were on. If your Mac’s bezel was Bondi blue, we’d make our UI Bondi blue. 2020-01-04, Jimmy Grewal, quoting Maf Vosburgh, “Internet Explorer 5 for Mac: twentieth anniversary”, in Jimmy's Blog, archived from the original on 2020-01-09
3. (US, slang, collective) handguns
   Disrespect my nigga Boss and I'm flashin' the chrome 2012, “Ali Bomaye”, in Jesus Piece, performed by The Game
   I ain't trippin' long 'cause I can reach the chrome / Heat your home like Southern California Gas, police pass 2013, “Hive”, in Doris, performed by Earl Sweatshirt

verb

1. (transitive) To plate with chrome.
2. (transitive) To treat with a solution of potassium bichromate, as in dyeing.