krypton

American  

[krip-ton] / ˈkrɪp tɒn /

noun

Chemistry.

1. an inert, monatomic gaseous element, present in very small amounts in the atmosphere: used in high-power, tungsten-filament light bulbs. Kr; 83.80; 36.

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krypton British  

/ ˈkrɪptɒn /

noun

1. an inert gaseous element occurring in trace amounts in air and used in fluorescent lights and lasers. Symbol: Kr; atomic no: 36; atomic wt: 83.80; valency: 0; density: 3.733 kg/m³; melting pt: –157.37°C; boiling pt: –153.23±0.10°C

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krypton Scientific  

/ krĭp′tŏn′ /

1. A colorless, odorless element in the noble gas group. It is used in certain fluorescent lamps and photographic flash lamps. Atomic number 36; atomic weight 83.80; melting point −156.6°C; boiling point −152.30°C; density 3.73 grams per liter (0°C).

2. See Periodic Table

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Etymology

Origin of krypton

1895–1900; < Greek kryptón, neuter of kryptós hidden, secret; see crypt

Example Sentences

By measuring the krypton trapped inside the crystals, the researchers were able to estimate how long the zircon grains remained near the surface before eventually being buried.

From Science Daily • Mar. 12, 2026

Messer LLC produces liquid nitrogen, oxygen, argon, krypton and xenon at the facility in New Cumberland.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 23, 2023

The scientists tested their hypothesis with lamps containing krypton chloride gas, molecules of which release UVC radiation mainly in the 222 nm range under electrical excitation.

From Scientific American • Nov. 22, 2022

Böhlke, J. & Irwin, J. J. Brine history indicated by argon, krypton, chlorine, bromine, and iodine analyses of fluid inclusions from the Mississippi Valley type lead-fluorite-barite deposits at Hansonburg, New Mexico.

From Nature • Nov. 28, 2017

The whole upper vault is charged with pale krypton vapours, which our skin friction may excite to unholy manifestations.

From Actions and Reactions by Kipling, Rudyard