Ruthene

noun

Ru·​thene rüˈthēn How to pronounce Ruthene (audio)
plural -s
: ruthenian

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin Rutheni, Ruteni, plural, Russians, modification (influenced by Latin Rutheni, Ruteni, a people of Aquitanian Gaul) of Russian rusin

First Known Use

1611, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Ruthenia was in 1611

Rhymes for Ruthenia

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Browse Nearby Words

Ruthene
Ruthenia
Ruthenian
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ruthenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ruthenia. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Geographical Definition

Ruthenia

geographical name

Ru·​the·​nia rü-ˈthē-nyə How to pronounce Ruthenia (audio)
-nē-ə
see zakarpats'ka
Ruthene
rü-ˈthēn How to pronounce Ruthenia (audio)
noun
Ruthenian
rü-ˈthē-nyən How to pronounce Ruthenia (audio)
-nē-ən
adjective or noun
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