platinum
UK: ˈplætɪnəm | US: ˈplætɪnəm
n. a precious grayish-white metal, chemically inert and highly malleable, used in jewelry, industry, and electronics (symbol: Pt)
adj. of or resembling platinum, especially in color or value
platinum = plat<flat> + inum<metal suffix>
- plat (from Spanish plata, meaning "silver," originally from Vulgar Latin platta, meaning "flat piece of metal")
- inum (Latin suffix used for metallic elements, e.g., aluminum, titanium)
Etymology Origin:
The word platinum originates from Spanish platina, a diminutive of plata ("silver"), coined by early Spanish explorers in South America who initially dismissed the metal as inferior "little silver." The Latin suffix -inum was later added to align with scientific naming conventions for metallic elements. The term reflects both the metal’s visual resemblance to silver and its historical undervaluation before its unique properties were recognized.
Platinum is rarer than gold and often used in high-end jewelry.
The catalytic converter contains platinum to reduce emissions.
Her hair had a striking platinum blonde hue.
Investors consider platinum a stable commodity.
The astronaut’s helmet visor was coated with a thin layer of platinum.