A metallic element of the platinum group, atomic no. 76, atomic wt. 190.2. [G. osme, smell, because of the strong odor of the tetroxide]
- o. tetroxide SYN: osmic acid.
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os·mi·um 'äz-mē-əm n a hard brittle blue-gray or blue-black polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group with a high melting point that is the heaviest metal known and that is used esp. as a catalyst and in hard alloys symbol Os see ELEMENT (table)
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os·mi·um (Os) (ozґme-əm) [Gr. osmē odor; so named because of the odor of the vapor, OsO4, produced by oxidation of the element] 1. a very hard, gray, toxic, and nearly infusible metal; atomic number, 76; atomic weight, l90.2. a 2. homeopathic trituration of metallic osmium.Medical dictionary. 2011.