rhodium
Americannoun
noun
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A rare, silvery-white metallic element that is hard, durable, and resistant to acids. It is used as a permanent plating for jewelry and is added to platinum to make high-temperature alloys. Atomic number 45; atomic weight 102.905; melting point 1,966°C; boiling point 3,727°C; specific gravity 12.41; valence 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
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See Periodic Table
Etymology
Origin of rhodium
From New Latin, dating back to 1804; see origin at rhod-, -ium
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
These critical emission-control devices are valuable because they contain rare metals, like palladium and rhodium, that can be extracted and resold.
From New York Times • May 27, 2024
At that time, apparent supply-chain issues drove the price of rhodium, in particular, to a peak of nearly $29,000 per ounce.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 1, 2024
Fountain, ballpoint and rollerball pens are available — finished in 24-carat gold plate, rhodium, titanium, sterling silver and gunmetal.
From Washington Times • Nov. 13, 2023
Until now, similar catalysts have used expensive metals like platinum, rhodium, or iridium.
From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2023
It so happens, as he says, that iridium and rhodium do make the metal more capable of resisting the attacks of acids than platinum itself.
From The Chemical History of a Candle by Crookes, William, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
