ruthenium

noun

ru·​the·​ni·​um rü-ˈthē-nē-əm 

: a rare hard silvery-white metallic element occurring in platinum ores and used especially as a catalyst and to harden alloys see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of ruthenium in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Trying on a one-off watch from the brand with case and bracelet crafted entirely from ruthenium (a member of the platinum family used by high-end watchmakers) left little doubt about the quality on offer. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2024

Their findings, however, strengthen the case thanks to a rare element called ruthenium. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 16 Aug. 2024

The chemical makeup of the ruthenium from 66 million years ago matched the chemical makeup of the ruthenium present in a certain kind of chondritic meteorite, the scientists found. —Kate Golembiewski, CNN, 16 Aug. 2024

Ultimately, the program identified an alloy consisting of specific proportions of ruthenium, chromium, and titanium. —New Atlas, 2 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin Ruthenia Ruthenia

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

ruthenium

noun

ru·​the·​ni·​um rü-ˈthē-nē-əm 

: a hard brittle grayish rare metallic element used especially in alloys and catalysts see element

Medical Definition

ruthenium

noun

ru·​the·​ni·​um rü-ˈthē-nē-əm 

: a hard brittle grayish polyvalent rare metallic element occurring in platinum ores and used in hardening platinum alloys

—symbol Ru see Chemical Elements Table