ru·the·ni·um (r -th  n- m)n. Symbol Ru A hard silver-gray acid-resistant metallic element that is found in platinum ores and is used to harden platinum and palladium for jewelry and in alloys for nonmagnetic wear-resistant instrument pivots and electrical contacts. Atomic number 44; atomic weight 101.07; melting point 2,310°C; boiling point 3,900°C; specific gravity 12.41; valence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. See Table at element. [From Medieval Latin Ruthenia, Russia, from Ruthen  , Russians, from Russian Rusin, from Old Russian Rus , Russian; see Russian.] |
ruthenium [ruːˈθiːnɪəm]
n
(Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) a hard brittle white element of the platinum metal group. It occurs free with other platinum metals in pentlandite and other ores and is used to harden platinum and palladium. Symbol: Ru; atomic no.: 44; atomic wt.: 101.07; valency: 0-8; relative density: 12.41; melting pt.: 2334°C; boiling pt.: 4150°C
[from Medieval Latin Ruthenia Russia, where it was first discovered]
| ruthenium (r-thn-m) Symbol Ru A rare, silvery-gray metallic element that is hard, brittle, and very resistant to corrosion. It is used to harden alloys of platinum and palladium for jewelry and electrical contacts. Atomic number 44; atomic weight 101.07; melting point 2,310°C; boiling point 3,900°C; specific gravity 12.41; valence 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. See Periodic Table. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  ruthenium - a rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group; it is found associated with platinummetal, metallic element - any of several chemical elements that are usually shiny solids that conduct heat or electricity and can be formed into sheets etc. |
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