noun

palladium

puh-LAY-dee-uhm

Palladium (noun) means a silvery-white metallic chemical element (symbol Pd) used in jewellery, electronics, and catalytic converters. Example: “Palladium is used to make catalytic converters that reduce car emissions.”

noun

A silvery-white metallic chemical element (symbol Pd) used in jewellery, electronics, and catalytic converters.

"Palladium is used to make catalytic converters that reduce car emissions."

"The ring was made of palladium rather than platinum."

Something regarded as a protection or safeguard for a right, freedom, or way of life.

"A free press is often called the palladium of democracy."

"The constitution was seen as the palladium of the nation's liberties."

How to use palladium

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishUsually refers to the precious metal used in jewellery and industry; less commonly, something treated as a guardian of a value or freedom.

Common pairings

palladium ring palladium catalyst palladium of liberty

Word forms

palladia plural, palladiums plural

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_____ is used to make catalytic converters that reduce car emissions.

Etymology

The metal was named in 1803 after the asteroid Pallas, which itself was named for Pallas Athena. The older "safeguard" sense comes from the Palladium, a sacred statue of Athena believed to protect the city of Troy.

· First attested 1803

Class of 1803 palladium joined the language around 1803.

nimbus

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Synonyms

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Pd atomic number 46

Related words

Rhymes for palladium

opium sodium helium barium radium medium atrium podium Valium Belgium lithium calcium

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Frequently asked questions

What does “palladium” mean?

The word “palladium” means a silvery-white metallic chemical element (symbol Pd) used in jewellery, electronics, and catalytic converters. In plain terms, usually refers to the precious metal used in jewellery and industry; less commonly, something treated as a guardian of a value or freedom.

How do you pronounce “palladium”?

“Palladium” is pronounced puh-LAY-dee-uhm (/pəˈleɪdiəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “palladium” in a sentence?

Here is “palladium” used in a sentence: “Palladium is used to make catalytic converters that reduce car emissions.”

What part of speech is “palladium”?

“Palladium” is a noun.

Where does the word “palladium” come from?

The word “palladium” dates back to around 1803. The metal was named in 1803 after the asteroid Pallas, which itself was named for Pallas Athena. The older "safeguard" sense comes from the Palladium, a sacred statue of Athena believed to protect the city of Troy.

How many meanings does “palladium” have?

“Palladium” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a silvery-white metallic chemical element (symbol Pd) used in jewellery, electronics, and catalytic converters.