Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - palladium

 I. noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Latin, from Greek palladion, from Pallad-, Pallas  Date: 14th century  1. capitalized a statue of Pallas whose preservation was believed to ensure the safety of Troy  2. plural palladia safeguard 2a  II. noun  Etymology: New Latin, from Pallad-, Pallas, an asteroid  Date: 1803 a silver-white ductile malleable metallic element that is used especially in electrical contacts, as a catalyst, and in alloys — see element table  • palladous adjective