noun
krypton
KRIHP-ton
noun
1
A colorless, odorless noble gas (chemical symbol Kr, atomic number 36) present in only trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere.
"Krypton is used inside certain energy-efficient light bulbs."
"Because it barely reacts with anything, krypton was considered chemically "inert" for decades."
name
1
In fiction, the planet that Superman comes from, named after the real chemical element.
"In the comics, Krypton was destroyed shortly after Superman was sent to Earth as a baby."
How to Use Krypton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA rare, chemically unreactive gas in Earth's atmosphere — also the name of Superman's home planet.
Easily confused with
Word Forms
kryptons plural
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_____ is used inside certain energy-efficient light bulbs.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek κρυπτός (kruptós), meaning "hidden," plus the "-on" ending used for naming noble gases.