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

It’s hard to reuse all the materials that go into phones today because modern circuit boards use tiny quantities of elements like rhodium that are difficult to extract.

From Popular-Science

Rhodium estimated that China’s emissions were equivalent to those of nearly 180 of the world’s lowest-emitting countries combined.

From Washington Post

It will likely surpass that level in 2013, according to Rhodium Group, which does detailed tracking of Chinese investment.

From The Daily Beast

Palladium, rhodium and tellurium are also met with as alloys of gold.

From Project Gutenberg

Its chief use at present is for making the inalterable nibs of the so-named rhodium pens.

From Project Gutenberg

This salt being washed with alcohol, and then exposed to a very strong heat, affords the rhodium.

From Project Gutenberg

Put the oil of rhodium on the bait, when fishing with a hook, and you will always succeed.

From Project Gutenberg

To attract them toward it, you may sprinkle on the edges of the plates a little of the oil of rhodium.

From Project Gutenberg