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

/ 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

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

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

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.

From Science Daily

Spectral analysis of the results showed a strong signal due to ionized argon from the center of the ejected material that surrounds the original site of SN 1987A.

From Science Daily