n. [ Sw. tungsten (cf. Dan. tungsteen, G. tungstein); tung heavy (akin to Dan. tung, Icel. þungr) + 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 ]

a. Of or pertaining to tungsten; containing tungsten; as, tungstenic ores. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

. An electric glow lamp having filaments of metallic tungsten, and contained in a glass bulb which is evacuated or has an inert gas, to avoid oxidation of the tungsten; a common form of light bulb. Such lamps, owing to the refractory nature of the metal, may be maintained at a very high temperature and require an expenditure of only about 1.25 watts per candle power, depending on the total wattage and the design of the bulb. By mid-20th century tungsten lamps became the most common type of incandescent (as contrasted with fluorescent) lamp; thus the phrase
incandescent lamp or
incandescent light typically refers to a tungsten lamp. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC ]

. (Metal.) A steel containing a small amount of tungsten, noted for tenacity and hardness, even under a considerable degree of heat. Magnets made of it are said to be highly permanent. It often contains manganese. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]