tungsten

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}]
    

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]
    

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.