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noun

xenon

ZEE-non

Xenon (noun) means a colorless, odorless noble gas (chemical symbol Xe, atomic number 54) used in things like camera flashes and certain lamps. Example: “The car's headlights use xenon bulbs for a brighter, whiter light.”

noun
1
A colorless, odorless noble gas (chemical symbol Xe, atomic number 54) used in things like camera flashes and certain lamps.
"The car's headlights use xenon bulbs for a brighter, whiter light."

How to use xenon

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA rare, unreactive gas found in tiny amounts in the air, used in bright lighting and some medical imaging.

Common pairings
xenon gas xenon headlights xenon lamp

Word forms

xenons plural

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Test yourself on “xenon” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The car's headlights use _____ bulbs for a brighter, whiter light.

Etymology

From Ancient Greek xénos, "strange, foreign," plus the "-on" ending used for noble gases — so named because it is rare and unreactive.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Xe atomic number 54

Related words

co

Rhymes for xenon

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Frequently asked questions

What does “xenon” mean?

The word “xenon” means a colorless, odorless noble gas (chemical symbol Xe, atomic number 54) used in things like camera flashes and certain lamps. In plain terms, a rare, unreactive gas found in tiny amounts in the air, used in bright lighting and some medical imaging.

How do you pronounce “xenon”?

“Xenon” is pronounced ZEE-non (/ˈzinɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “xenon” in a sentence?

Here is “xenon” used in a sentence: “The car's headlights use xenon bulbs for a brighter, whiter light.”

What part of speech is “xenon”?

“Xenon” is a noun.

Where does the word “xenon” come from?

The word “xenon” comes from Ancient Greek. From Ancient Greek xénos, "strange, foreign," plus the "-on" ending used for noble gases — so named because it is rare and unreactive.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial