Definitions for "Ruthenium"
A rare element of the light platinum group, found associated with platinum ores, and isolated as a hard, brittle steel-gray metal which is very infusible. Symbol Ru. Atomic weight 103.5. Specific gravity 12.26. See Platinum metals, under Platinum.
A white metallic element of the platinum group, used mainly as a hardener for platinum or palladium. Melting point above 2400ยบ C; specific gravity 12.2.
a rare polyvalent metallic element of the platinum group; it is found associated with platinum
Two ruthenium isotopes are by-products of plutonium production. Virtually nothing is known about the effects of these radionuclides on body systems except contact with skin cause burns. These isotopes were produced at Hanford, Washington.