a chemical element with symbol Ne and atomic number 10. It is in group 18 (noble gases) of the periodic table. Neon is a colorless, odorless monatomic gas under standard conditions, with about two-thirds the density of air. It was discovered (along with krypton and xenon) in 1898 as one of the three residual rare inert elements remaining in dry air, after nitrogen, oxygen, argon and carbon dioxide are removed. Neon was the second of these three rare gases to be discovered, and was immediately recognized as a new element from its bright red emission spectrum. The name neon is derived from the Greek word ????, neuter singular form of ???? [neos], meaning new. Neon is chemically inert and forms no uncharged chemical compounds.

Neon signs really are made with neon, like this Ne-shaped tube filled with this inert gas. A high voltage transformer sends an electric current through the tube, creating a characteristic bright neon-red arc.