plat·i·num   (plāt'n-əm)    n.   Symbol Pt A silver-white metallic element occurring worldwide, usually mixed with other metals such as iridium, osmium, or nickel. It is ductile and malleable, does not oxidize in air, and is used as a catalyst and in electrical components, jewelry, dentistry, and electroplating. Atomic number 78; atomic weight 195.08; melting point 1,772°C; boiling point 3,827°C; specific gravity 21.45; valence 2, 3, 4. See Table at element. A medium to light gray. [New Latin, from Spanish platina, platinum; see platina.]

Platinum

An element that is sometimes used in jewelry or as a catalyst in electronics.

Investopedia Commentary

Platinum is considered to be a precious metal.

See also: Bullion, Precious Metal

Main Entry: plat·i·num
Pronunciation: 'plat-n&m, -^&n-&m
Function: noun
: a heavy precious grayish white noncorrodingductile malleable metallic element that fuses with difficulty and is used especially in chemical ware and apparatus, as a catalyst, and in dental and jewelry alloys —symbol Pt; —seeELEMENT table

platinum plat·i·num (plāt'n-əm)
n.
Symbol Pt
A ductile malleable metallic element usually occurring mixed with other metals such as iridium, osmium, or nickel and used as a catalyst and in dentistry. Atomic number 78; atomic weight 195.08; melting point 1,768°C; boiling point 3,825°C; specific gravity 21.45; valence 2, 3, 4.

platinum   (plāt'n-əm)  Pronunciation Key  Symbol Pt A soft, ductile, malleable, silver-white metallic element that usually occurs with osmium, iridium, palladium, or nickel. It has a high melting point and does not corrode in air. Platinum is used as a catalyst and in making jewelry, electrical contacts, and dental crowns. Atomic number 78; atomic weight 195.08; melting point 1,772°C; boiling point 3,827°C; specific gravity 21.45; valence 2, 3, 4. See Periodic Table.