noun
ruthenium
roo-THEE-nee-um
Ruthenium (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the symbol Ru and atomic number 44. Example: “Ruthenium has the chemical symbol Ru.”
noun
1
A metallic chemical element with the symbol Ru and atomic number 44.
"Ruthenium has the chemical symbol Ru."
"The periodic table gives ruthenium an atomic number of 44."
"She wrote a short report on ruthenium for her chemistry class."
How to use ruthenium
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA metallic element, number 44 on the periodic table.
When to use it
It is a technical term, used mainly in chemistry and science.
Memory tip
The stress falls on the second syllable, which sounds like 'thee'.
Trace the full origin ↓
Common pairings
ruthenium metal
a sample of ruthenium
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_____ has the chemical symbol Ru.
Etymology
The name comes from Ruthenia, the Latin name for Russia, with the ending -ium added. The scientist Karl Ernst Claus chose it in 1844 in honour of Russia.
Rhymes for ruthenium
See all rhymes for ruthenium →Frequently asked questions
What is the symbol for ruthenium?
The chemical symbol for ruthenium is Ru.
What is the atomic number of ruthenium?
Ruthenium has an atomic number of 44.
Who named ruthenium?
It was named by the Baltic German scientist Karl Ernst Claus in 1844, in honour of Russia.
What is the meaning of ruthenium?
"ruthenium" (noun) means a metallic chemical element with the symbol Ru and atomic number 44.
