xenon

noun

xe·​non ˈzē-ˌnän  ˈze- 

: a heavy colorless and relatively inert gaseous element that occurs in air as about one part in 20 million and is used especially in specialized electric lamps (such as flash tubes) and in scientific research see Chemical Elements Table

Examples of xenon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Psyche will launch with 2,392 pounds of xenon in seven 22-gallon tanks. —William Harwood, CBS News, 13 Oct. 2023

The headlights, unique to the Turbo, arch down into the bumper and utilize xenon illumination for high- and low-beam lighting. —Peter Robinson, Car and Driver, 23 July 2023

The experiment basically relies on the scientists exposing their detector to a massive amount of xenon atoms, roughly 3.2 tons of liquid xenon. —Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 7 July 2022

The latest is from XENON100, a liquid-xenon scintillation detector under the mountain in Gran Sasso, Italy. —Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 20 July 2012

Word History

Etymology

Greek, neuter of xenos strange

First Known Use

1898, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

xenon

noun

xe·​non ˈzē-ˌnän  ˈzen-ˌän 

: a heavy colorless gaseous element that occurs in air in minute quantities and is used especially in specialized electric lamps see element

Medical Definition

xenon

noun

xe·​non ˈzē-ˌnän  ˈzen-ˌän 

: a heavy, colorless, and relatively inert gaseous element that occurs in air as about one part in 20 million by volume

—symbol Xe see Chemical Elements Table