HYDROGEN

[hy.dro.gen] n [F hydrogene, fr. hydr- + -gene -gen; fr. the fact that water is generated by its combustion] (1791): a nonmetallic element that is the simplest and lightest of the elements, is normally a colorless odorless highly flammable diatomic gas, and is used esp. in synthesis--compare deuterium, tritium -- hy.drog.e.nous adj