ˈrōdēəm noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin, from rhod- + -ium
: a bright white hard ductile metallic element that is one of the platinum metals, that is chiefly trivalent and is resistant to attack by acids and other corrosive agents at ordinary temperatures, that occurs especially in platinum ores, and that is used chiefly in alloys with platinum (as for catalysts, thermocouples, or spinnerets for rayon) and in plating for reflectors, electrical contacts, or jewelry — symbol Rh ; see element table