Palladium
[pə-LAY-dee-əm]
Part of speech: noun
Origin: Latin, 19th century
1.
A safeguard or source of protection.
2.
The chemical element of atomic number 46, a rare silvery-white metal resembling platinum.
Examples of Palladium in a sentence
"During hard times, Ellen treated her faith as a palladium that would protect her from despair."
"For many young viewers, TV host Mr. Rogers was a palladium of childhood."
About Palladium
“Palladium” is named for Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of war and wisdom believed to protect and watch over Greek cities — above all Athens, after which she was named (and not vice versa). By the 14th century, anything that offered protection was sometimes called a “palladium” in her honor.
Did you Know?
“Palladium” has two completely different definitions. In one case, the word describes something that offers protection, but it’s also a rare metallic element, resembling both platinum and silver. Chemist William Hyde Wollaston discovered the substance in 1803 and named it “palladium” after the asteroid Pallas, which had been identified the previous year.
