Palladium: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The name 'palladium' comes from Pallas Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and warfare, emphasizing its protective qualities.
• It was discovered in 1803 by the chemist William Hyde Wollaston in a sample of platinum, leading to its identification as a new element.

Science

• Palladium is part of the platinum group metals and has the unique ability to absorb hydrogen, making it useful in hydrogen storage and purification.
• It plays a crucial role as a catalyst, speeding up chemical reactions in processes like automotive catalytic converters.

Industry

• Due to its rarity, palladium has become increasingly valuable in the market, sometimes more expensive than gold.
• It is extensively used in electronics for connectors, capacitors, and other critical components, boosting both performance and efficiency.

Art

• In photography, palladium printing is an alternative process known for its subtle tonal range and lasting quality.
• Artists favor palladium as an alloy for jewelry making due to its resistance to tarnish and hypoallergenic properties.

Health

• Certain dental materials contain palladium, which is chosen for its durability and biocompatibility.
• Research is exploring the use of palladium in cancer treatment due to its potential for drug delivery systems.

With rank #16,604, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

• ...
• 16601 twists
• 16602 streamlined
• 16603 brewery
• 16604 palladium
• 16605 ternary
• 16606 radon
• 16607 liquefaction
• ...