1. n. Chem. a white ductile metallic element occurring naturally in various ores and used in chemistry as a catalyst and for making jewellery.
Usage:
Symb.: Pd.
Etymology: mod.L f. Pallas, an asteroid discovered (1803) just before the element, + -IUM; cf. CERIUM 2. n. (pl. palladia) a safeguard or source of protection.
Etymology: ME f. L f. Gk palladion image of Pallas (Athene), a protecting deity