noun
palladium
puh-LAY-dee-uhm
noun
1
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."
2
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 notesIn 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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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.