from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Noble \No"ble\, a. [Compar. {Nobler}; superl. {Noblest}.] [F.
noble, fr. L. nobilis that can be or is known, well known,
famous, highborn, noble, fr. noscere to know. See {know}.]
1. Possessing eminence, elevation, dignity, etc.; above
whatever is low, mean, degrading, or dishonorable;
magnanimous; as, a noble nature or action; a noble heart.
[1913 Webster]
Statues, with winding ivy crowned, belong
To nobler poets for a nobler song. --Dryden.
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2. Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble
edifice.
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3. Of exalted rank; of or pertaining to the nobility;
distinguished from the masses by birth, station, or title;
highborn; as, noble blood; a noble personage.
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Note: Noble is used in the formation of self-explaining
compounds; as, noble-born, noble-hearted, noble-minded.
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{Noble gas} (Chem.), a gaseous element belonging to group
VIII of the periodic table of elements, not combining with
other elements under normal reaction conditions;
specifically, {helium}, {neon}, {argon}, {krypton},
{xenon}, or {radon}; also called {inert gas}.
{Noble metals} (Chem.), silver, gold, and platinum; -- so
called from their resistance to oxidation by air and to
dissolution by acids. Copper, mercury, aluminium,
palladium, rhodium, iridium, and osmium are sometimes
included.
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Syn: Honorable; worthy; dignified; elevated; exalted;
superior; sublime; great; eminent; illustrious;
renowned; stately; splendid; magnificent; grand;
magnanimous; generous; liberal; free.
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from
The Elements (07Nov00)
neon
Symbol: Ne
Atomic number: 10
Atomic weight: 20.183
Colourless gaseous element of group 18 on the periodic table (noble
gases). Neon occurs in the atmosphere, and comprises 0.0018% of the
volume
of the atmosphere. It has a distinct reddish glow when used in discharge
tubes and neon based lamps. It forms almost no chemical compounds. Neon
was discovered in 1898 by Sir William Ramsey and M.W. Travers.