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]