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

Mrs Comins was in the saddle of her black Argon 18 TT bike, specifically designed for this type of race.

From BBC • Oct. 13, 2025

It’s a high-tech twist on the classic mason jar, using a silicone lid with a degassing valve and an AirGone Argon Gas Canister to flush out oxygen.

From Salon • Apr. 18, 2025

Argon cautiously approached the climbers, who were able to coax him into letting them take the tie off his mouth before police and animal control arrived, according to In Defense of Animals.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 18, 2024

Argon is 42% more dense than nitrogen and would allow a higher-density atmosphere at a pressure a bit lower than 10 bar.

From Scientific American • Sep. 2, 2022

Argon brushed past Foaly, pressing a laser disk into the console’s player.

From "Artemis Fowl" by Eoin Colfer