inert gas
3
4.0
- noun
- /ɪˈnɜrt ɡæs/
- Specialized
:
gas inerte
- Mass spectrometry reveals structural information from biological compounds by ionizing a molecule of interest, fragmenting it by collisions with an inert gas, and then applying mass analysis to the fragmentation products.
- used to inject inert gas
Which pair of inert gases is stickier?
- Which pair of inert gases is stickier?
Examples
-
These tubes have one-way valves that prevent the inert gas from escaping when tools are inserted and withdrawn.
Academic text (2007) -
The major source of atmospheric CFC-11 and CFC-12 is the aerosol spray can, which uses these chemically inert gases as propellants.
Academic text (1992) -
Let's add an inert gas to this reaction.
-
Inside is a small artifact in a sealed container of inert gas.
Fiction book (1991) -
A special exhaust gas recirculation system shunts inert gas into the engine to reduce NOx.
Academic text (2004) -
Such explosions must be prevented by filling the containment building with inert gas, so that there is no oxygen present to support an explosion.
Blog text (12) -
One of the holes will first be used to inject inert gas into the patient in order to inflate the cavity and create open space inside the patient's body.
Academic text (2007) -
Because of the use of inert gas as coolant (via a heat exchanger), we can use gas turbines instead of steam turbines.
Blog text (32) -
It's the most widely used of the inert gases, used in arc welding, diving, growing silicon crystals, and as a coolant in MRI scanners.
Blog text (2) -
Argon is an inert gas commonly used in welding to protect the weld area from atmospheric contamination.
Synonyms
1
3.8
A gas that does not react with other chemicals, like helium or neon
Antonyms
How Reactive
- Specialized
5
5.1
- Specialized
3
4.0
Surface Forms
Morphology
The phrase is fully compositional: 'inert' means not chemically reactive and 'gas' indicates a gaseous substance, so a learner who knows both words can infer 'a gas that does not react'. This pattern is common across languages (e.g. Spanish 'gas inerte'), making the term readily understandable to B1 learners who know the constituents.
Etymology
The noun inert gas names a gas that is inert, which means it 'does not react' with other things. So people use an inert gas when they need air that won't cause a reaction, for example to protect metal or keep experiments safe.