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 what are known as argon-argon dating techniques, the researchers determined that these minerals formed over a surprisingly long period, spanning from the time of the impact 66 million years ago until roughly 58 million years ago. —Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 10 June 2026

Then the researchers compared the ratios of two different isotopes of argon—which provides a chemical fingerprint that scientists can use to estimate the age of minerals in the rocks and thus of the hydrothermal system. —Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 9 June 2026

For its part, SpaceX developed a satellite for Starlink that uses argon as a propellant. —Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 9 May 2026

Once completed, each cryostat will contain approximately 17,000 tons of liquid argon, nearly a mile underground. —Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 8 May 2026

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