from
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.
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2. (Min.) Scheelite, or calcium tungstate. [Obs.]
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{Tungsten ocher}, or {Tungstic ocher} (Min.), tungstite.
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