noble

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Grand; stately; magnificent; splendid; as, a noble edifice. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Noble is used in the formation of self-explaining compounds; as, noble-born, noble-hearted, noble-minded. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Honorable; worthy; dignified; elevated; exalted; superior; sublime; great; eminent; illustrious; renowned; stately; splendid; magnificent; grand; magnanimous; generous; liberal; free. [ 1913 Webster ]