wolfram crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the "wolfram crossword clue," you've come to the right place. We've compiled a comprehensive list of possible answers, sorted by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "wolfram crossword clue" by Letter Count
1 Letters
W: This is the chemical symbol for Tungsten, often referred to as Wolfram, particularly in German and Scandinavian languages.
3 Letters
ORE: Wolframite is a common ore of tungsten (wolfram), making 'ore' a relevant answer for a related clue.
5 Letters
METAL: Wolfram (Tungsten) is a well-known metallic element.
8 Letters
TUNGSTEN: Wolfram is the alternative name for the element Tungsten, chemical symbol W.
10 Letters
REFRACTORY: Wolfram (Tungsten) is renowned for its extremely high melting point, making it a refractory metal.
More About "wolfram crossword clue"
The term "wolfram" frequently appears in crossword puzzles because it's an alternative name for the chemical element Tungsten. While Tungsten is the more common name in English-speaking countries, Wolfram is derived from the German "Wolf Rahm," which historically referred to the mineral wolframite because it was believed to "eat up" tin during smelting – much like a wolf devours sheep. This unique etymology and the dual nomenclature provide rich ground for crossword setters.
Crossword clues involving "wolfram" can test your knowledge of chemistry, history, or even language. They often hint at the element's properties, such as its exceptionally high melting point, making it suitable for applications like light bulb filaments or high-temperature alloys. Understanding this connection to Tungsten and its symbol 'W' is key to unlocking these specific types of clues.
Beyond the elemental aspect, remember to consider context. Sometimes, "wolfram" might appear in a clue related to the scientist Stephen Wolfram (creator of Mathematica and Wolfram Alpha) or the Wolfram Language. However, for a straightforward clue like "wolfram crossword clue," the elemental connection is almost always the intended path to the solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider Alternative Names: Many elements, places, or concepts have multiple names (e.g., Wolfram/Tungsten). Always consider less common synonyms or historical names when stuck on a clue.
- Think About Properties: If a clue points to a material or substance, think about its most famous properties (e.g., high melting point for Wolfram, conductivity for copper). These properties often lead to descriptive answers.
- Check Chemical Symbols: For single-letter answers or clues involving elements, the chemical symbol (like 'W' for Wolfram/Tungsten) is a very common solution.
- Use Letter Count as a Guide: The number of letters provided is your strongest hint. If you have a few possible answers, the letter count will quickly narrow down the options.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is 'Wolfram' used in crosswords instead of 'Tungsten'?
While 'Tungsten' is the common English name for the element, 'Wolfram' (from German 'Wolf Rahm' meaning 'wolf's cream' or 'wolf's foam') is its historical name and the origin of its chemical symbol 'W'. Crossword setters often use 'Wolfram' to challenge solvers or to hint at the 'W' symbol, especially in clues related to chemistry or materials.
What properties of Wolfram (Tungsten) are often clued in crosswords?
Crossword clues related to Wolfram often highlight its extremely high melting point (e.g., 'refractory metal'), its use in light bulb filaments, its hardness, or its classification as a heavy metal. Its chemical symbol 'W' is also a frequent answer when only one letter is required.
How can I identify if a 'wolfram' clue refers to the element or something else?
The context of the clue is key. If the clue mentions properties like 'heavy metal', 'filament', 'high melting point', or 'chemical symbol', it likely refers to the element. If it's part of a proper noun (e.g., 'Stephen Wolfram', 'Wolfram Alpha'), the answer will be different. The number of letters required for the answer is also a strong indicator.