ETYM New Lat., from Spanish platina, from plata silver, Late Lat. plata a thin plate of metal. Related to Plate, Platina.
A heavy precious metallic element; gray-white and resistant to corroding; occurs in some nickel and copper ores and is also found native in some deposits; SYN. Pt, atomic number 78.
A noble metal which in its pure form is the negative wire of Type R and Type S thermocouples.
Heavy, soft, silver-white, malleable and ductile, metallic element, symbol Pt, atomic number 78, atomic weight 195.09. It is the first of a group of six metallic elements (platinum, osmium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, and palladium) that possess similar traits, such as resistance to tarnish, corrosion, and attack by acid, and that often occur as free metals (native metals). They often occur in natural alloys with each other, the commonest of which is osmiridium. Both pure and as an alloy, platinum is used in dentistry, jewelry, and as a catalyst.
Platinum
1. A circular horizontal platform that rotates a phonograph record while it is being played.
2. A revolving tray placed on a dining table; SYN. lazy Susan.
3. A rotatable platform with a track; used to turn locomotives and cars.