tungsten

noun

tung·​sten ˈtəŋ-stən 

: a gray-white heavy high-melting ductile hard polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and molybdenum in many of its properties and is used especially in carbide materials and electrical components (such as lamp filaments) and in hardening alloys (such as steel) see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of tungsten in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As Washington moves to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals, tungsten is becoming an increasingly important part of the supply-chain debate. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 27 Sep. 2026

The missile, called a PrSM—for precision-strike missile—detonates midair and spreads thousands of small tungsten fragments in all directions. — Robin Wright, New Yorker, 26 Sep. 2026

In that effort, the Ima Mine may be the country’s best bet to produce tungsten, one of the densest, hardest metals on the periodic table. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Sep. 2026

Recently, the president of Kazakhstan allowed an American company to come in and have unlimited tungsten mining rights. — Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 18 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Swedish, from tung heavy + sten stone

First Known Use

1796, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

tungsten

noun

tung·​sten ˈtəŋ-stən 

: a gray-white heavy hard metallic element that has many characteristics similar to chromium and molybdenum and is used especially for electrical purposes and to harden metal alloys (as steel) see element

Etymology

from Swedish tungsten, literally "heavy stone," from tung "heavy" and sten "stone"

Medical Definition

tungsten

noun

tung·​sten ˈtəŋ-stən 

: a gray-white heavy high-melting ductile hard polyvalent metallic element that resembles chromium and molybdenum in many of its properties and is used especially for electrical purposes and in hardening alloys (as steel)

—symbol W

called also wolfram

see Chemical Elements Table