xenon
n.n. a rare, colorless gas that is used to make bright lights and in car headlights. It is also used in some types of medical equipment.
n. a heavy, colorless, odorless noble gas with the symbol Xe and atomic number 54. It is used in various applications including high-intensity discharge lamps, ion propulsion systems, and medical imaging.
The car uses xenon gas in its headlights.
Scientists discovered that xenon is present in the atmosphere of several planets in our solar system.
The spacecraft relies on xenon as a propellant for its ion thrusters, providing a highly efficient means of propulsion for deep-space missions.
From Ancient Greek ξένος (xénos, “foreign, strange”) + -on, used for all noble gases.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Last updated May 19, 2026