noun
osmium
OZ-mee-um
Osmium (noun) means a hard, brittle, heavy, bluish-white metallic element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76. Example: “Osmium is a transition metal.”
noun
1
A hard, brittle, heavy, bluish-white metallic element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76.
"Osmium is a transition metal."
"The symbol for osmium is Os."
"Osmium is found in trace amounts in platinum ores."
How to use osmium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA hard, heavy, bluish-white metal, symbol Os.
When to use it
It is a technical chemistry term.
Memory tip
The name comes from the Greek word for smell, so link osmium with odour; the symbol is Os.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
osmium alloy
atomic number 76
platinum ore
osmium atom
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like osmium.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ is a transition metal.
Etymology
The name comes from the Ancient Greek word osmē, meaning smell, plus the suffix -ium. It refers to the strong smell of the element's oxide.
Rhymes for osmium
See all rhymes for osmium →Frequently asked questions
What is osmium?
Osmium is a hard, brittle, heavy, bluish-white metal with the symbol Os and atomic number 76.
Where does the name osmium come from?
It comes from the Ancient Greek word for smell, because of the strong smell of its oxide.
What is the symbol for osmium?
The symbol is Os.
What is the meaning of osmium?
"osmium" (noun) means a hard, brittle, heavy, bluish-white metallic element with the symbol Os and atomic number 76.
