osmium

os·mi·um  (zm-m)

n. Symbol Os

A bluish-white, hard metallic element, found in small amounts in osmiridium, nickel, and platinum ores. It is used as a platinum hardener and in making pen points, phonograph needles, and instrument pivots. Atomic number 76; atomic weight 190.2; melting point 3,000°C; boiling point 5,000°C; specific gravity 22.57; valence 2, 3, 4, 8. See Table at element.

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[From Greek osm, smell (from the strong odor of osmium tetroxide).]

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osmium

Noun

Chem a very hard brittle bluish-white metal, the heaviest known element Symbol: Os[Greek osmē smell, from its penetrating odour]

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osmium  (zm-m)

Symbol Os

A hard, brittle, bluish-white metallic element that is the densest naturally occurring element. It is used to make very hard alloys for fountain pen points, electrical contacts, and instrument pivots. Atomic number 76; atomic weight 190.2; melting point 3,000°C; boiling point 5,000°C; specific gravity 22.57; valence 2, 3, 4, 8. See Periodic Table.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

osmium - a hard brittle blue-grey or blue-black metallic element that is one of the platinum metals; the heaviest metal known atomic number 76, Os metal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc.