• (a.) Pertaining to, or containing, ruthenium; specifically, designating those compounds in which it has a higher valence as contrasted with ruthenious compounds.
Ru·then'ic adjective (Chemistry) Pertaining to, or containing, ruthenium; specifically, designating those compounds in which it has a higher valence as contrasted with ruthenious compounds. 
containing ruthenium in a higher valence state than the corresponding ruthenious compound.