1.
[syn: osmium, Os, atomic number 76]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
osmium \os"mi*um\ ([o^]z"m[i^]*[u^]m), n. [Gr. 'osmh` a smell,
odor, akin to 'o`zein to smell. So named in allusion to the
strong chlorinelike odor of osmic tetroxide. See Odor.]
(Chem.)
A rare metallic element of the platinum group with atomic
number 76. It is found native as an alloy in platinum ore,
and in iridosmine. It is a hard, infusible, bluish or grayish
white metal, and the heaviest substance known. Its tetroxide
is used in histological experiments to stain tissues. Symbol
Os. Atomic weight 190.2. Specific gravity 22.477.
[1913 Webster +PJC]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
osmium
n 1: a hard brittle blue-grey or blue-black metallic element
that is one of the platinum metals; the heaviest metal
known [syn: osmium, Os, atomic number 76]
The Elements (07Nov00):
osmium
Symbol: Os
Atomic number: 76
Atomic weight: 190.2
Hard blue-white metallic transition element. Found with platinum and
used
in some alloys with platinum and iridium.