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
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.
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Word forms
- Plural
- kryptons
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.
Synonyms
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Kr
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.
