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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ruthenia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ruthenia. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.

Geographical Definition

Ruthenia

geographical name

Ru·​the·​nia rü-ˈthē-nyə How to pronounce Ruthenia (audio)
-nē-ə
Ruthene noun
Ruthenian adjective or noun
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