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

In a separate statement Tuesday, Chinese commerce ministry and customs officials announced to impose export controls on items related to tungsten, tellurium, ruthenium, molybdenum and ruthenium. —Anniek Bao, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2025

The Schottky diode Mishra’s team cooked up—ruthenium deposited one atomic layer at a time on top of N-polar GaN—provides a high barrier against current sneaking through it. —IEEE Spectrum, 24 Sep. 2020

The moon affects the tides, and that is the narrative depicted on this dial, with mother-of-pearl and ruthenium on the dial, illuminated by diamond highlights–2.62 carats in all. —Carol Besler, Robb Report, 23 Oct. 2024

The movement features a sunray brushed finish in black ruthenium, lending a modern and dynamic appearance to the design. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Medieval Latin Ruthenia Ruthenia

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for ruthenium

• asplenium
• delphinium
• perineum
• proscenium
• selenium
• vaccinium
• rhenium

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