argon

American  

[ahr-gon] / ˈɑr gɒn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. a colorless, odorless, chemically inactive, monatomic, gaseous element that, because of its inertness, is used for filling fluorescent and incandescent lamps and vacuum tubes. Ar; 18; 39.948.

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argon British  

/ ˈɑːɡɒn /

noun

1. an extremely unreactive colourless odourless element of the rare gas series that forms almost 1 per cent (by volume) of the atmosphere. It is used in electric lights. Symbol: Ar; atomic no: 18; atomic wt: 39.948; density: 1.7837 kg/m³; freezing pt: –189.3°C; boiling pt: –185.9°C

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argon Scientific  

/ är′gŏn′ /

1. A colorless, odorless element in the noble gas group. Argon makes up about one percent of the atmosphere. It is used in electric light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and radio vacuum tubes. Atomic number 18; atomic weight 39.948; melting point −189.2°C; boiling point −185.7°C.

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of argon

1890–95; < Greek, neuter of argós inactive, not working, idle, contraction of aergós equivalent to a- a- ⁶ + érg ( on ) work + -os adj. suffix

Example Sentences

The age of the Allan Hills samples was determined directly from the ice itself using precise measurements of an isotope of the noble gas argon.

From Science Daily

His frame is lit from within, head-to-toe, by argon trapped in electrified tubes shaped to resemble the human circulatory system, making his soul visible.

From Los Angeles Times

These results agreed well with the Duisburg-Essen group's results that used argon and xenon ions.

From Science Daily

The telescope can also spot sulfur, calcium, argon, and others, depending on the source.

From Science Daily

Earth’s atmosphere is a blend of nitrogen, oxygen, argon and other gases.

From Seattle Times