Argentum

/ɑrˈdʒɛntəm/ noun

Definition

Silver, or the chemical element silver (Ag on the periodic table).

Etymology

From Latin argentum, an ancient Indo-European root likely meaning 'shining' or 'white.' Romans borrowed the word from earlier Mediterranean peoples who mined and traded silver extensively.

Kelly Says

Argentum is why silver's chemical symbol is 'Ag'—this ancient Latin word shows how the language of science preserves the history of trade and alchemy, when metal names came directly from Roman merchants.

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