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

Collisions between otherwise-inert xenon nuclei and stray particles produce small bursts of light and energy—signals scientists can examine to hunt for dark matter. —Saima S. Iqbal, Scientific American, 4 Sep. 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

By the early 1990s, some automakers began using xenon or high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, which were more powerful, efficient, and lasted longer than halogen. —Aarian Marshall, WIRED, 2 Aug. 2024

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

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