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argon

(är′gän′)

noun

a colorless, odorless chemical element, one of the noble gases, constituting nearly 1% of the atmosphere: it is used in incandescent light bulbs, radio tubes, welding, etc.: symbol, Ar; at. no., 18

Origin: Gr, neut. of argos, inert, idle < a-, without + ergon, work

See argon in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Symbol Ar

A colorless, odorless, inert gaseous element constituting approximately one percent of Earth's atmosphere, from which it is commercially obtained by fractionation for use in electric light bulbs, fluorescent tubes, and radio vacuum 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. See Table at element.

Origin:

Origin: From Greek ārgon

Origin: , neuter of ārgos, idle, inert

Origin: : a-, without; see a-¹

Origin: + ergon, work; see werg- in Indo-European roots

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