Word Study
tungsten
CIDE DICTIONARY
tungsten, n. [Sw. tungsten (cf. Dan. tungsteen, G. tungstein); tung heavy (akin to Dan. tung, Icel. ) + sten stone. See Stone.].
- 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]
- Scheelite, or calcium tungstate. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
tungsten, n. Chem. a steel-grey dense metallic element with a very high melting-point, occurring naturally in scheelite and used for the filaments of electric lamps and for alloying steel etc.
Idiom
tungsten carbide a very hard black substance used in making dies and cutting tools.
Usage
Symb.: W.
Derivative
tungstate n. tungstic adj. tungstous adj.
Etymology
Sw. f. tung heavy + sten stone
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