Palladium
/pəˈleɪ.di.əm/noun
A rare silvery metallic element, or a source of protection or security.
Did you know?The chemical element was named after the asteroid Pallas, which itself was named for Athena Pallas, linking a modern metal to an ancient protective deity and her sacred image.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
Palladion
“A sacred image or statue of Athena believed to protect a city”
Late Latin
Latin
palladium
“A protective talisman or sacred pledge of safety”
17th–18th Century
English
palladium
“Something that protects or guarantees safety”
1803
Chemistry
palladium
“A newly discovered metallic element named after the asteroid Pallas”