palladium

1 of 2

noun (1)

pal·​la·​di·​um pə-ˈlā-dē-əm 

1

capitalized : a statue of Pallas whose preservation was believed to ensure the safety of Troy

2

plural palladia pə-ˈlā-dē-ə  : 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

2 of 2

noun (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

palladous

pə-ˈlā-dəs 

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.

Synonyms

Noun (1)

• caution
• fail-safe
• precaution
• preventive
• safeguard

Examples of palladium in a Sentence

Noun (1)

believes that a vigorously free press is one of our nation's most vital palladia against tyranny

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Shearing notes that in addition to China’s hold on some rare earths, the supply of many other critical minerals, including cobalt and palladium, is concentrated in countries that align with Beijing. —Dylan Butts, CNBC, 15 Apr. 2025

Related Articles The standout element is Omega’s proprietary Bronze Gold alloy, composed of 37.5 percent gold, copper, palladium and silver. —Renan Botelho, Footwear News, 1 Apr. 2025

The second reference is rendered in 18-karat sand gold, the maison’s unique alloy consisting of gold, palladium, and copper (130,000 CHF). —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025

The second reference is rendered in 18-karat sand gold, the maison’s unique alloy consisting of gold, palladium, and copper (130,000 CHF). —Oren Hartov, Robb Report, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

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

Noun (2)

New Latin, from Pallad-, Pallas, an asteroid

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun (2)

1803, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for palladium

• vanadium
• radium
• stadium

Kids Definition

palladium

noun

pal·​la·​di·​um

pə-ˈlād-ē-əm

: a silver-white metallic element that is used especially in alloys see element

Medical Definition

palladium

noun

pal·​la·​di·​um pə-ˈlād-ē-əm 

: 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