Definition

Noun: A very hard, heat-resistant type of steel that contains the element tungsten as a key alloying component. The term "wolfram" is an alternative name for the chemical element tungsten.

Usage

"Wolfram steel" is a technical term used primarily in metallurgy and materials science. It refers to a specific category of alloy steel known for its exceptional hardness and ability to retain strength at high temperatures. It is often used in applications requiring durability and resistance to wear and heat.

Examples

• Cutting tools are frequently made from wolfram steel due to its hardness.
• The high-speed drill bit is manufactured from a special grade of wolfram steel.
• Wolfram steel is an essential material for certain aerospace components.

Advanced Usage

• The term is largely synonymous with "tungsten steel" in technical contexts, with "wolfram" being the historical and internationally recognized (IUPAC) name for the element.
• It can be specified in material grades, e.g., "a high-carbon wolfram steel."

Variants and Related Words

• Tungsten steel: The more common modern term for the same material.
• High-speed steel (HSS): A common category of tool steel that often contains wolfram/tungsten.
• Alloy steel: The broader category of steels enhanced with other elements, which includes wolfram steel.

Synonyms

• Tungsten steel

Antonyms

• Mild steel (a soft, low-carbon steel with no significant alloying elements like tungsten)
• Plain carbon steel

Noun

1. a very hard heat-resistant steel containing tungsten