tungsten Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun 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
    atomic number 74; W; wolfram.

WordNet

Tung"sten noun
Etymology
Sw. tungsten (cf. Dan. tungsteen, G. tungstein); tung heavy (akin to Dan. tung, Icel. þungr) + sten stone. See Stone.
Definitions
  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.
  2. (Min.) Scheelite, or calcium tungstate. Obs.

Webster 1913