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platinum definition

plati·num (plat′'n əm)

noun

a silver-colored, malleable, ductile, metallic chemical element that is highly resistant to corrosion and tarnish, used as a chemical catalyst, for acid-proof containers, ignition fuses, jewelry, dental alloys, etc.: symbol, Pt; at. no., 78

Etymology: ModL < Sp platina, dim. of plata, silver < Prov, metal plate, silver bar, silver < VL *plattus, flat: see plate

adjective

☆ designating a record, tape, disc, video, etc. which has registered sales of a specified number, as two million, or value, as $1,000,000: platinum reflects a greater number or value than gold

Etymology: by assoc. with the platinum-plated copy awarded to the performer(s)

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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