osmium



From 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]














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