Cryogen

/ˈkraɪoʊdʒɛn/ noun

Definition

A substance or agent that produces extremely low temperatures, such as liquid nitrogen or liquid helium used in scientific and medical applications.

Etymology

From Greek 'kryos' (cold) + 'gen' (to produce or create). This term emerged in the late 19th century as scientists developed methods to liquefy gases.

Kelly Says

Liquid nitrogen is the most common cryogen—it boils at -196°C and is used in everything from freezing warts off to preserving biological samples to making dramatic fog effects. It's basically bottled extreme cold.

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