Argon is an inert gas which exists in very small amounts in the atmosphere. It is used in electric lights.
argon in British English
(ˈɑːɡɒn)
noun
an extremely unreactive colourless odourless element of the rare gas series that forms almost 1 per cent (by volume) of the atmosphere. It is used in electric lights. Symbol: Ar; atomic no: 18; atomic wt: 39.948; density: 1.7837 kg/m3; freezing pt: –189.3°C; boiling pt: –185.9°C
Word origin
C19: from Greek, from argos idle, inactive, from a-1 + ergon work
argon in American English
(ˈɑrˌgɑn)
noun
a colorless, odorless chemical element, one of the noble gases, constituting nearly 1% of the atmosphere: it is used in incandescent light bulbs, radio tubes, welding, etc.: symbol, Ar; at. no., 18
Word origin
Gr, neut. of argos, inert, idle < a-, without + ergon, work
Examples of 'argon' in a sentence
argon
So it is handled within a negative-pressure-ventilated hot cell with an inert atmosphere of argon to prevent oxidation.