argon

[ahr-gon]

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.

argon

/ 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

argon

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of argon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of argon¹

C19: from Greek, from argos idle, inactive, from _a- ¹ + ergon work

Example Sentences

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.

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

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

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

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The observations also mark the first time a double ionization of argon has been detected in a planet-forming disk, the team writes in the paper.

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