argon

noun

ar·​gon ˈär-ˌgän 

: a colorless odorless inert gaseous element found in the air and in volcanic gases and used especially in welding, lasers, and electric bulbs see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of argon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Using argon dating and crystal analysis, the scientists learned that during the peak of the last Ice Age—between 26,000 years and 18,000 years ago—the overwhelming weight of glacial ice on the Earth’s surface caused a massive magma reservoir to form between six miles and 10 miles underground. —Christian Thorsberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 July 2025

Racing Toward Discovery If all goes according to plan, the argon detectors will be up and running — and sensitive to the coming hordes of supernova neutrinos — by the end of 2029, according to DUNE’s official timeline. —Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

Those massive tanks of super-dense argon raise the odds of neutrino interactions, and thus of detectable signals. —Discover Magazine, 26 Mar. 2025

For a non-petroleum alternative, apply Castor oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, olive oil, or argon oil to the lashes with a spoolie before bed. —Lorena Meouchi, Vogue, 27 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek, neuter of argos idle, lazy, from a- + ergon work; from its relative inertness — more at work

First Known Use

1894, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing argon

• potassium-argon

Rhymes for argon

• anton
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon
• coupon

Kids Definition

argon

noun

ar·​gon ˈär-ˌgän 

: a colorless odorless element that is a gas found in the air and in volcanic gases and used especially in electric bulbs see element

Medical Definition

argon

noun

ar·​gon ˈär-ˌgän 

: a colorless odorless inert gaseous element found in the air and in volcanic gases and used especially in lasers and electric bulbs

—symbol Ar see Chemical Elements Table