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osmium

(Science: chemistry) A rare metallic element of the platinum group, 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 191.1. Specific gravity 22.477.

Origin: Gr. A smell, odour, akin to to smell. So named in allusion to the strong chlorinelike odour of osmic tetroxide. See Odour.