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. °Symb.: W. tungsten carbide a very hard black substance used in making dies and cutting tools. tungstate n. tungstic adj. tungstous adj.
[ Sw. f. tung heavy + sten stone ]