platinum foil

A scientist carefully places a piece of platinum foil into a beaker.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Thin sheet of platinum: "platinum foil" refers to platinum that has been hammered or rolled into a very thin, flexible sheet. It is used in scientific, industrial, and decorative applications due to platinum's resistance to corrosion and high melting point.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The chemist used platinum foil as a catalyst support in the experiment. (A thin sheet of platinum for laboratory use.)
  • Jewelers often apply platinum foil to create a durable, shiny surface on fine jewelry. (A decorative thin layer of platinum.)

Advanced Usage

• "to coat with platinum foil": to cover a surface with a thin layer of platinum for protection or adornment.
  • The spacecraft's heat shield was coated with platinum foil to withstand extreme temperatures. (A protective covering of thin platinum.)

Variants and Related Words

• Platinum (n): a precious, silver-white metallic element, highly resistant to corrosion.

  • Platinum is more expensive than gold. (The metal itself, not the foil form.)

• Foil (n): a very thin sheet of metal, typically used for wrapping or covering.

  • Aluminum foil is commonly used in cooking. (A general term for thin metal sheets.)

Synonyms

• Platinum leaf: an even thinner form of platinum used for gilding.
• Platinum sheet: a thicker, less flexible form of platinum.

Related Idioms

• Platinum standard: a benchmark of excellence or quality (not directly related to the foil form).
  • Her work set a platinum standard for the industry. (The highest level of quality.)

Note: There are no common phrasal verbs or idioms specifically involving "platinum foil." The term is primarily technical and literal.