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.
Usage:
Symb.: W.
Phrases and idioms:
tungsten carbide a very hard black substance used in making dies and cutting tools.
Derivatives:
tungstate n. tungstic adj. tungstous adj.
Etymology: Sw. f. tung heavy + sten stone