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atomic number 10

atomic number 10

4.8
A colorless gas used in bright red signs and lights
  • noun
  • /əˈtɑːmɪk ˈnʌmbər tɛn/
  • Specialized
translation icon : número atómico 10
  • Neon is represented by the symbol Ne and has an atomic number 10.

Examples

  • The element with atomic number 10 is neon.

  • The bright red sign was illuminated by atomic number 10 in the glass tubes.

  • Las Vegas is famous for its glowing atomic number 10 lights that decorate its casinos.

  • Scientists discovered that atomic number 10 is an inert gas present in trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere.

  • The bright red sign was illuminated by atomic number 10 in the glass tubes.

  • Scientists discovered that atomic number 10 is an inert gas present in trace amounts in Earth's atmosphere.

  • Neon is represented by the symbol Ne and has an atomic number 10.

Synonyms

neon
vsatomic number 10
  • Specialized
79 3.4

A gas that makes bright red light in electric signs

a scientific numeric label that notes natural occurrence in air

Surface Forms

Morphology

atomic + number + ten

The phrase literally denotes 'the atomic number equal to ten' and is compositionally built from 'atomic' + 'number' + 'ten', a transparent scientific naming pattern that exists across languages. However, identifying the referent as the specific element neon requires background knowledge of the periodic table, so a B1 learner who only knows the constituent words may not map it to 'neon'.

Etymology

Atomic number 10 is the scientific name for the gas neon, which makes a bright red light in glass tubes. Because this gas produces that glowing red light, people use atomic number 10 to mean the 'glowing gas' used in signs and lights.