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Glite Dictionary
wolfram

wolfram

9.5
A heavy hard grey-white metal used in electric parts like light bulb filaments
  • noun
  • /ˈwʊlfrəm/
  • Specialized
translation icon : wolfram
  • Light bulb filaments were traditionally made of wolfram because of its high melting point.

Examples

  • Many industries rely on wolfram for high-temperature applications.

  • The mineral scheelite is an important source of wolfram.

  • Spain is one of the world's largest producers of wolfram, which is vital for the electronics industry.

  • The wolfram in this light bulb is essential for its brightness.

  • Light bulb filaments were traditionally made of wolfram because of its high melting point.

  • Spain is one of the world's largest producers of wolfram, which is vital for the electronics industry.

  • Many industries rely on wolfram for high-temperature applications.

Synonyms

tungsten
vswolfram
  • Specialized
11 7.2

A heavy hard grey metal used in light bulb wires and parts that resist heat

is the same metal known by another traditional name and symbol
W
vswolfram
  • Specialized
1 7.6

A heavy grey metal people use for light-bulb filaments and strong tools

is the full spoken name rather than a single-letter chemical sign

Compounds

wolfram steel
  • Specialized
8.7

A very hard metal used for tools that contains tungsten and resists heat

Surface Forms

wolfram singular
wolframs plural

Etymology

The word wolfram comes from an old German name that includes wolf, because miners said the mineral 'devoured' tin when they smelted it. A helpful way to remember wolfram is to think of a 'wolf' eating tin, since it is the same heavy, hard metal also called tungsten that is used in light bulb filaments.