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.
Platinum, palladium and rhodium are key components of autocatalysts that reduce harmful emissions from internal combustion engines.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 30, 2026
Catalytic converters, which control exhaust emissions, are typically found in the undercarriage of a vehicle and contain precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 28, 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
The mined ore contains platinum, palladium and rhodium, three of the earth’s rarest, most expensive metals — and vital components in the millions of catalytic converters that reduce polluting emissions from gasoline-powered vehicles.
From New York Times ● Nov. 15, 2023
Dissolve the soap in the lemon juice, then add the two oils, and put the whole in the sun till it acquires the consistency of ointment, and then add the oil rhodium.
From The Ladies Book of Useful Information Compiled from many sources by Anonymous
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.
