dolosum

Dolosum is a term used in fiction and speculative discourse to denote a hypothetical chemical element or alloy. It is not an element on the modern periodic table and has no official designation by IUPAC or other real-world authorities.

The name derives from Latin dolosus, meaning deceitful or cunning, a choice reflecting its status as a largely fictional substance used to explore theoretical properties or to serve as a narrative MacGuffin.

In fictional portrayals, dolosum is usually described as a dense, malleable metal with a bright metallic luster. Its properties vary by author but commonly include a high strength-to-weight ratio, exceptional corrosion resistance, and unusual physical traits such as magnetism, superconductivity, or energy-storage capabilities.

Origin and production in stories differ: some depict dolosum forming under extreme pressure in planetary interiors, others as a synthetically produced material in advanced laboratories, and some retain it as a meteorite-formed alloy.

Uses in fiction range from core structural components in spacecraft or weapons to components of quantum devices or stealth technologies. Because dolosum is not real, discussions of its behavior are speculative and change with the source.