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palladium

noun (1)
pal·​la·​di·​um | \ pə-ˈlā-dē-əm How to pronounce palladium (audio) \

Definition of palladium

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 capitalized : a statue of Pallas whose preservation was believed to ensure the safety of Troy
2 plural palladia\ pə-​ˈlā-​dē-​ə How to pronounce palladia (audio)\ : something that affords effectual protection or security : safeguard sense 2a … this political persecution being, somehow or other, the grand palladium of our liberties …— Washington Irving … lend authority to the view that the true palladium of every people is its language …— Ferdinand Schevill

palladium

noun (2)

Definition of palladium (Entry 2 of 2)

: a silver-white ductile malleable metallic element that is used especially in electrical contacts, as a catalyst, and in alloys — see Chemical Elements Table
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Other Words from palladium

Noun (2)

palladous \ pə-​ˈlā-​dəs How to pronounce palladous (audio) \ adjective

Did You Know?

Pallas Athena was one of the poetical names given to the Greek goddess Athena (although it's no longer clear what Pallas was supposed to mean), and the original palladium was a statue of Athena that was believed to have the power to protect the ancient city of Troy. When an asteroid belt was discovered between Mars and Jupiter, most of the asteroids were named after figures in Greek mythology, and one of the first to be discovered was named Pallas in 1803. In the same year, scientists isolated a new silvery metal element, which they named palladium in honor of the recently discovered asteroid.

First Known Use of palladium

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1803, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for palladium

Noun (1)

Middle English, from Latin, from Greek palladion, from Pallad-, Pallas

Noun (2)

New Latin, from Pallad-, Pallas, an asteroid

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More Definitions for palladium

palladium

noun

Financial Definition of palladium

What It Is

Palladium is a metal used in manufacturing electronics and other items.

How It Works

Palladium is a rare metal that is silvery white. It is part of the platinum group.

Because of its high melting point and corrosion resistance, palladium is used in a variety of products, though it is most common in the manufacture of catalytic converters and electronics that help make microchips. Accordingly, it is necessary for the production of computers, cell phones and other electronics and transportation devices. Dentists and jewelers also use the element. It can be more durable than gold plating.

Why It Matters

Investors can invest in palladium via ETFs, futures and options, as well as in physical bullion, bars, wafers and coins. Because it is a commodity in the investing world, investors should be very careful about managing the associated high risk.

Often, palladium investors are very mindful of changes in emissions standards. Because palladium acts as a catalyst for oxidation in catalytic converters, demand for the metal increases when emissions standards increase.

Source: Investing Answers

palladium

noun
pal·​la·​di·​um | \ pə-ˈlād-ē-əm How to pronounce palladium (audio) \

Medical Definition of palladium

: a silver-white ductile malleable metallic element of the platinum group that is used especially in electrical contacts, as a catalyst, and in alloys —symbol Pd — see Chemical Elements Table

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