Definition

1. Noun:
   • A rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group: Ruthenium is a hard, silvery-white metal that is chemically inert and found in platinum ores. Its atomic number is 44 and its symbol is Ru.

Usage

• Ruthenium is used primarily as a noun to refer to the chemical element itself. It is most commonly encountered in scientific, industrial, and technical contexts, such as chemistry, metallurgy, and electronics.

Examples

• Noun:
  • Ruthenium is one of the rarest metals on Earth.
  • The catalyst contains a small amount of ruthenium to increase its efficiency.
  • Scientists are studying the properties of ruthenium for use in advanced computer chips.

Advanced Usage

• "Ruthenium-based": Describing a compound, catalyst, or material that has ruthenium as a primary component.
  • The new solar cell uses a ruthenium-based dye.

Variants and Related Words

• Ruthenate (n): A salt containing the anion RuO₄²⁻.
• Ruthenious (adj): Relating to or containing ruthenium in a lower valence state.
• Ruthenic (adj): Relating to or containing ruthenium in a higher valence state.

Synonyms

• Element 44: Referring to its atomic number.
• Platinum group metal: A categorical synonym, as ruthenium is a member of this group (which also includes platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, and osmium).

Related Phrases

• Ruthenium red: A chemical dye used in biological staining.
  • Ruthenium red is often used to stain pectin in plant cell walls.

Noun

1. a rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group; it is found associated with platinum