hydrogen

UK: ˈhaɪdrədʒən | US: ˈhaɪdrədʒən

Definition

  1. n. A colorless, odorless, highly flammable gas, the lightest and most abundant element in the universe, used in chemical synthesis and as a fuel.

Structure
hydro <water>gen <produce>
Etymology

hydrogen = hydro<water> + gen<produce>

  • hydro: From Greek hydōr (water), referring to the element’s role in forming water when burned.
  • gen: From Greek -genēs (producer), indicating "that which produces."

Etymology Origin:
Coined in 1783 by French chemist Antoine Lavoisier, hydrogen literally means "water-producer," reflecting its key property: combining with oxygen to form water (H₂O). The name captures its fundamental role in early chemistry experiments.

Examples

  1. Hydrogen is the primary fuel for stars like the Sun.

  2. The rocket was powered by liquid hydrogen and oxygen.

  3. Water molecules consist of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

  4. Scientists are researching hydrogen as a clean energy alternative.

  5. The Hindenburg disaster involved the combustion of hydrogen gas.