Tungsten

3 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  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]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  tungsten
       n : a heavy gray-white metallic element; the pure form is used
           mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several
           ores including wolframite and scheelite [syn: {wolfram},
           {W}, {atomic number 74}]

From Elements database 20001107 [elements]:

  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.