PALLADIUM

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek palladion, from Pallad-, Pallas Date: 14th century a statue of Pallas whose preservation was believed to ensure the safety of Troy, safeguard 2a, II. noun Etymology: New Latin, from Pallad-, Pallas, an asteroid Date: 1803 a silver-white ductile malleable metallic element that is used especially in electrical contacts, as a catalyst, and in alloys, palladous adjective