Tungsten \Tung"sten\, 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.

2. (Min.) Scheelite, or calcium tungstate. [Obs.]

Tungsten ocher, or Tungstic ocher (Min.), tungstate.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)