platinum

platinum /plat·i·num/ (Pt) (plat´i-num) chemical element, at. no. 78.

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plat·i·num (pltn-m)

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.

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platinum (Pt) (plat´nm),

n a silvery-white, soft metallic element. Its atomic number is 78 and its atomic weight is 195.09. It is used in dentistry, jewelry, and the manufacture of chemical devices that must withstand high temperatures.

platinum matrix,

n See matrix, platinum.

Platyhelminthes

n. pl parasitic flatworms, such as tapeworms and flukes, that cause disease in humans.

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platinum

a chemical element, atomic number 78, atomic weight 195.09, symbol Pt. See Table 6.

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platinum chemotherapy

see platinum complexes (below).

platinum complexes

inhibit DNA synthesis and have some alkylating activity. They are sometimes used in cancer chemotherapy, but have marked side-effects of nausea, vomiting, nephrotoxicity and bone marrow suppression. See also cisplatin, carboplatin.