hydrogen

The definition of hydrogen is a gaseous element that has no color or odor and is flammable.

Facts About Hydrogen

  • An atom of hydrogen is the smallest of all elements that exist.
  • Hydrogen is the most plentiful element in the universe.
  • An atom of hydrogen is made up of two subatomic particles, one electron and one proton.
  • Hydrogen exists in three forms - hydrogen, deuterium, and tritium.
  • Tritium is radioactive and is used in the construction and operation of nuclear weapons.
  • The combustion of hydrogen is very clean and has little impact on the environment. The byproduct of the combustion of hydrogen and oxygen is water vapor.
  • Hydrogen gas was the first fuel used in inflatable aircrafts and Zeppelins, such as the Hindenburg which exploded in 1937.
  • Hydrogen is a perfect liquid for cryogenic freezing.
(noun)

An example of hydrogen is one of the elements in water.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See hydrogen in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a flammable, colorless, odorless, gaseous chemical element, the lightest of all known substances: symbol, H; at. no., 1

Origin: Fr hydrogène (see hydro- & -gen): coined (1787) by L. B. Guyton de Morveau (1737-1816), Fr chemist, in reference to the generation of water from the combustion of hydrogen

Related Forms:

See hydrogen in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun Symbol H
A colorless, highly flammable gaseous element, the lightest of all gases and the most abundant element in the universe, used in the production of synthetic ammonia and methanol, in petroleum refining, in the hydrogenation of organic materials, as a reducing atmosphere, in oxyhydrogen torches, and in rocket fuels. 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. See Table at element.

Origin:

Origin: French hydrogène

Origin: : Greek hudro-, hydro-

Origin: + French -gène, -gen

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Related Forms:

  • hy·drogˈe·nous (-drōjˈə-nəs) adjective

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