palladium (Pd) /pəlā″dē·əm/ [Gk, Pallas Athena, mythic goddess and protector of Troy] , a hard silvery metallic element. Its atomic number is 46; its atomic mass is 106.42. Highly resistant to tarnish and corrosion, palladium is used in high-grade surgical instruments; in dental inlays, bridgework, and orthodontic appliances; and in catalytic converters.
