-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
Examples of osmium in a Sentence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'osmium.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Greek osmḗ "smell, odor" + -ium; osmḗ going back to *od-s-mā, noun derivative from the base of ózein "to smell, give off an odor" — more at odor
Note: The word osmium was introduced by the English chemist Smithson Tennant (1761-1815) in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, 1804, Part II, p. 416: "When the alkaline solution [obtained by dissolving impure platinum] is first formed, by adding water to the dry alkaline mass in the crucible, a pungent and peculiar smell is immediately perceived. This smell, as I afterwards discovered, arises from the extrication of a very volatile metallic oxide; and, as this smell is one of its most distinguishing characters, I should on that account incline to call the metal Osmium." In the same report Tennant discussed and named the element iridium (see iridium).
1804, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing osmium
Dictionary Entries Near osmium
Cite this Entry
“Osmium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/osmium. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Kids Definition
Medical Definition
osmium
nounMore from Merriam-Webster on osmium
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about osmium
Share