Definition

Noun: A heavy, hard, grey-white metallic element with the chemical symbol W. It has a very high melting point and density. In its pure form, it is primarily used in electrical applications, such as filaments in incandescent light bulbs. It is found naturally in several mineral ores, including wolframite and scheelite.

Usage

This term is the formal, scientific name for the element tungsten. It is used primarily in technical, chemical, and geological contexts to specify the element by its fundamental property—the number of protons in its nucleus (74).

Examples

• The filament in traditional light bulbs is made from atomic number 74.
• Atomic number 74 is extracted from ores like wolframite.
• Due to its high density, atomic number 74 is used in weights and ballasts.

Advanced Usage

• In materials science, alloys containing atomic number 74 are noted for their hardness and heat resistance.
• The phrase is often used in the context of the periodic table to teach or discuss elemental properties and ordering.

Variants and Related Words

• Tungsten (n): The common name for atomic number 74.
• Wolfram (n): An alternative name for the element, used in some languages and older technical contexts.
• Tungsten carbide (n): An extremely hard compound of tungsten and carbon, used in cutting tools and abrasives.

Synonyms

• Tungsten
• Wolfram (chiefly in European usage)

Related Phrases

• Heavy metal: Atomic number 74 is classified as a heavy metal due to its high density.
• Refractory metal: It is a classic example of a refractory metal, meaning it is resistant to heat and wear.

Noun

1. a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite