1.
[syn: tungsten, wolfram, W, atomic number 74]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Tungsten \Tung"sten\ (t[u^]ng"st[e^]n), n. [Sw. tungsten (cf.
Dan. tungsteen, G. tungstein); tung heavy (akin to Dan. tung,
Icel. [thorn]ungr) + sten stone. See Stone.]
1. (Chem.) A rare element of the chromium group found in
certain minerals, as wolfram and scheelite, and isolated
as a heavy steel-gray metal which is very hard and
infusible. It has both acid and basic properties. When
alloyed in small quantities with steel, it greatly
increases its hardness. Symbol W (Wolframium). Atomic
weight, 183.6. Specific gravity, 18.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Min.) Scheelite, or calcium tungstate. [Obs.]
[1913 Webster]
Tungsten ocher, or Tungstic ocher (Min.), tungstite.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
tungsten
n 1: a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used
mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several
ores including wolframite and scheelite [syn: tungsten,
wolfram, W, atomic number 74]
The Elements (07Nov00):
tungsten
Symbol: W
Atomic number: 74
Atomic weight: 183.85
White or grey metallic transition element, formerly called wolfram.
Forms a protective oxide in air and can be oxidized at high temperature.
First isolated by Jose and Fausto de Elhuyer in 1783.