rhodium

[ roh-dee-uhm ]

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.

rhodium

/ 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

rhodium

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhodium¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of rhodium¹

C19: New Latin, from Greek rhodon rose, from the pink colour of its compounds

Example Sentences

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

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

The catalytic converter, an exhaust emission control device typically found in the undercarriage of a vehicle, contains precious metals including rhodium, palladium and platinum.

From Los Angeles Times