rhodium

American  

[roh-dee-uhm] / ˈroʊ di əm /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a silvery-white metallic element of the platinum family, forming salts that give rose-colored solutions: used to electroplate microscopes and instrument parts to prevent corrosion. Rh; 102.905; 45; 12.5 at 20°C.

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rhodium British  

/ ˈrəʊdɪəm /

noun

1. a hard corrosion-resistant silvery-white element of the platinum metal group, occurring free with other platinum metals in alluvial deposits and in nickel ores. It is used as an alloying agent to harden platinum and palladium. Symbol: Rh; atomic no: 45; atomic wt: 102.90550; valency: 2–6; relative density: 12.41; melting pt: 1963±3°C; boiling pt: 3697±100°C

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rhodium Scientific  

/ rō′dē-əm /

1. 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.

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of rhodium

From New Latin, dating back to 1804; rhod-, -ium

Example Sentences

Thieves target catalytic converters because they contain precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024

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

Until now, similar catalysts have used expensive metals like platinum, rhodium, or iridium.

From Science Daily • Oct. 26, 2023

Catalytic converters are valuable because they contain the precious metals rhodium, platinum and palladium.

From Washington Times • Jun. 29, 2023

I think that oil of rhodium and oil of aniseed are very good to drop on the traps after setting, or to mix with the stuff with which the traps are covered.

From Full Revelations of a Professional Rat-catcher After 25 Years' Experience by Matthews, Ike