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hydrogen

[hahy-druh-juhn]

noun

  1. a colorless, odorless, flammable gas that combines chemically with oxygen to form water: the lightest of the known elements. H; 1.00797; 1; density: 0.0899 grams/liter at 0°C and 760 millimeters pressure.



hydrogen

/ ˈhaɪdrɪdʒən /

noun

    1. a flammable colourless gas that is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe. It occurs mainly in water and in most organic compounds and is used in the production of ammonia and other chemicals, in the hydrogenation of fats and oils, and in welding. Symbol: H; atomic no: 1; atomic wt: 1.00794; valency: 1; density: 0.08988 kg/m³; melting pt: –259.34°C; boiling pt: –252.87°C See also deuterium tritium

    2. ( as modifier )

      hydrogen bomb

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

hydrogen

  1. The lightest and most abundant element in the universe, normally consisting of one proton and one electron. It occurs in water in combination with oxygen, in most organic compounds, and in small amounts in the atmosphere as a gaseous mixture of its three isotopes (protium, deuterium, and tritium) in the colorless, odorless compound H 2. Hydrogen atoms are relatively electropositive and form hydrogen bonds with electronegative atoms. In the Sun and other stars, the conversion of hydrogen into helium by nuclear fusion produces heat and light. Hydrogen is used to make rocket fuel, synthetic ammonia, and methanol, to hydrogenate fats and oils, and to refine petroleum. The development of physical theories of electron orbitals in hydrogen was important in the development of quantum mechanics. Atomic number 1; atomic weight 1.00794; melting point −259.14°C; boiling point −252.8°C; density at 0°C 0.08987 gram per liter; valence 1.

  2. See Periodic Table See Note at oxygen

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Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrogen1

First recorded in 1785–95; from the French word hydrogène; hydro- 1, -gen
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Word History and Origins

Origin of hydrogen1

C18: from French hydrogène, from hydro- + -gen ; so called because its combustion produces water
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Compare Meanings

How does hydrogen compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

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Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In recent years, California has also forged subnational agreements and partnerships with other regions and countries on issues such as delivering clean transportation, cutting pollution and developing hydrogen and renewables.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He could see why a hydrogen bomb’s power would be virtually unlimited.

Read more on Literature

These stellar giants produce powerful winds filled with the products of high-temperature hydrogen fusion, which then mix with the surrounding pristine gas to create stars with distinct chemical fingerprints.

Read more on Science Daily

When stars like the Sun exhaust their hydrogen fuel, they begin to cool and expand, transforming into red giants.

Read more on Science Daily

The talks will address the issue of decarbonisation, with the sector betting on the production of "green" steel -- produced using hydrogen derived from renewable energies -- to meet climate goals.

Read more on Barron's

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