Word of the Day
tungsten
Tungsten
Swedish
Swedish/ˈtɵŋˌsteːn/English/ˈtʌŋ.stən/
“Swedish miners named it 'heavy stone' - now it lights our bulbs and hardens our tools.”
Swedish miners in the 18th century noticed a heavy mineral that interfered with tin smelting. They called it tungsten - from tung (heavy) and sten (stone). The heavy stone was a nuisance, contaminating tin ore and frustrating refiners. But what seemed like worthless weight held remarkable properties.
4 stops · from Sweden to Global