noble gas

noun

: any of a group of rare gases that include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and usually radon and that exhibit great stability and extremely low reaction rates

called also inert gas

Examples of noble gas in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web When a nucleus has a magic number of protons or neutrons, then the particular orbit is filled, and the nucleus is not very reactive, similar to the noble gases. Artemis Spyrou, Discover Magazine, 9 Oct. 2024 One class of elements, the noble gases, hardly ever react with other elements. Artemis Spyrou, The Conversation, 7 Oct. 2024 It is known that the inert noble gas xenon can act as anesthetic in animals and people. Hartmut Neven, Scientific American, 8 Aug. 2024 At room temperature, flerovium forms a strong bond with gold, very unlike a noble gas. Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for noble gas 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'noble gas.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of noble gas was in 1902

Dictionary Entries Near noble gas

Cite this Entry

“Noble gas.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/noble%20gas. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

noble gas

noun
no·​ble gas ˈnō-bəl- How to pronounce noble gas (audio)
: any of a group of rare gases that include helium, neon, argon, krypton, xenon, and sometimes radon and that exhibit great stability and extremely low reaction rates

called also inert gas

More from Merriam-Webster on noble gas

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