noun

krypton

KRIHP-ton

Krypton (noun) means a colorless, odorless noble gas (chemical symbol Kr, atomic number 36) present in only trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere. Example: “Krypton is used inside certain energy-efficient light bulbs.”

noun

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

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 notes

In plain EnglishA rare, chemically unreactive gas in Earth's atmosphere — also the name of Superman's home planet.

Easily confused with

kryptonite →

Word forms

kryptons plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ 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.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Frequently asked questions

What does “krypton” mean?

The word “krypton” means a colorless, odorless noble gas (chemical symbol Kr, atomic number 36) present in only trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere. In plain terms, a rare, chemically unreactive gas in Earth's atmosphere — also the name of Superman's home planet.

How do you pronounce “krypton”?

“Krypton” is pronounced KRIHP-ton (/ˈkɹɪptɒn/ in IPA).

How do you use “krypton” in a sentence?

Here is “krypton” used in a sentence: “Krypton is used inside certain energy-efficient light bulbs.”

What part of speech is “krypton”?

Depending on how it is used, “krypton” can be a noun and a name.

Where does the word “krypton” come from?

The word “krypton” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek κρυπτός (kruptós), meaning "hidden," plus the "-on" ending used for naming noble gases.

How many meanings does “krypton” have?

“Krypton” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a colorless, odorless noble gas (chemical symbol Kr, atomic number 36) present in only trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere.