Pronssi

Pronssi is the Finnish word for bronze, used to refer to the alloy, its color, and the medal associated with third place in competitions. In everyday Finnish, pronssi denotes the warm, metallic shade derived from copper mixed with tin.

Bronze is primarily an alloy of copper and tin; other elements such as phosphorus, silicon, or aluminum may be added to create different bronze variants. Compared with pure copper, bronze is harder and more wear resistant, while maintaining good corrosion resistance.

The word pronssi is etymologically related to bronze in other languages, typically borrowed from the Swedish brons or German Bronze, reflecting the shared metal across Europe. The color and the material have long-standing cultural and technological significance.

Historically, bronze played a central role in the Bronze Age, when tools, weapons, and art were produced from the alloy, enabling durable metalworking before widespread iron usage. In modern times, bronze remains important in sculpture, coinage, and the production of medals.

In sport and competition, pronssi denotes third place and is celebrated as the bronze medal. The term also appears in design and art to describe a bronze finish or patina.