'Ruthenium' definitions:

Definition of 'ruthenium'

From: WordNet
noun
A rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group; it is found associated with platinum [syn: ruthenium, Ru, atomic number 44]

Definition of 'Ruthenium'

From: GCIDE
  • Ruthenium \Ru*the"ni*um\, n. [NL. So named from the Ruthenians, a Little Russian people, as coming from Russia, the metal having been found in the Ural mountains.] (Chem.) A rare element of the light platinum group, found associated with platinum ores, and isolated as a hard, brittle steel-gray metal which is very infusible. Symbol Ru. Atomic weight 103.5. Specific gravity 12.26. See Platinum metals, under Platinum. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'Ruthenium'

From: Elements
  • Symbol: Ru
  • Atomic number: 44
  • Atomic weight: 101.07
  • Hard white metallic transition element. Found with platinum, used as a catalyst in some platinum alloys. Dissolves in fused alkalis, and is not attacked by acids. Reacts with halogens and oxygen at high temperatures. Isolated in 1844 by K.K. Klaus.