wolfram

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun 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

Etymology

Borrowed from German Wolfram, of obscure origin. Generally assumed to be derived from Wolf (“wolf”) + Rahm (“cream, soot”), a calque of Latin lupi spuma (“wolf's froth”), coined by Georg Agricola in the 16th century and a term of contempt due to its lesser value compared to tin and its degradation to the tin smelting process. Else, possibly derived from a personal name, where the second element is derived from *hrabn (“raven”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

tungsten, W, atomic number 74

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