< Back

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

platinum

Primary Information
Secondary Information

Definition

Platinum is a precious metal that is silvery-white in colour. It is very strong and durable, and it does not corrode easily. Platinum is also very rare, making it a valuable metal.

Platinum is used in jewellery, dentistry, and electronics. It is also used in catalytic converters, which are devices that help to reduce pollution from car exhaust.

How can the word be used?

The dentist used platinum fillings in the patient's teeth.

platinum

Different forms of the word

Noun:

  • platinum (a chemical element with the symbol Pt and atomic number 78).
  • platina (the Spanish word for platinum).

Adjective:

  • platinum (of or relating to platinum).
  • platinum-plated (plated with platinum).

Etymology

The word "platinum" comes from the Spanish word "platina", which means "little silver".

The word "platina" was first used in English in the 17th century. It was used to refer to a silvery-white metal that was found in South America.

The root of the word "platina" is the Latin word "plata", which means "silver".

So, the word "platinum" literally means "little silver". This is a reference to the fact that platinum is a silvery-white metal that is similar to silver.

Question

What is platinum used for?