argon

[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. Symbol: Ar; atomic number: 18; atomic weight: 39.948.
Origin
1890-95; < Greek, neuter of argós inactive, not working, idle, contraction of aergós equivalent to a- a-6 + érg(on) work + -os adj. suffix
Examples from the web for argon
  • The reactor contains argon gas, which helps keep the sodium from burning but is a dangerous asphyxiant in confined spaces.
  • argon is a browser built with expansion in mind, however.
British Dictionary definitions for argon

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
Word Origin
C19: from Greek, from argos idle, inactive, from a-1 + ergon work
Word Origin and History for argon
n.

chemical element, 1894, Modern Latin, from Greek argon, neuter of argos "lazy, idle, not working the ground, living without labor," from a- "without" (see a- (3)) + ergon "work" (see urge (v.)). So called by its discoverers, Baron Rayleigh and Sir William Ramsay, for its inert qualities.

argon in Medicine

argon ar·gon (är'gŏn')
n.
Symbol Ar
A colorless, inert gaseous element constituting [approx] one percent of Earth's atmosphere, used in electric bulbs and fluorescent tubes and as an inert gas shield in arc welding. Atomic number 18; atomic weight 39.948; melting point -189.3°C; boiling point -185.9°C.

argon in Science
argon
  (är'gŏn')   
Symbol Ar
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. See Periodic Table.