ny·lon

[nahy-lon]
noun
1.
any of a class of thermoplastic polyamides capable of extrusion when molten into fibers, sheets, etc., of extreme toughness, strength, and elasticity, synthesized by the interaction of a dicarboxylic acid with a diamine: used especially for yarn, fabrics, and bristles, as for brushes.
2.
nylons, stockings made of nylon, especially sheer, full-length ones for women.

Origin:
1938; coined as a generic by the du Pont Chemical Co. as distinct from known words and having no prior meaning or use, but with the suffix -on suggesting other textile fibers such as rayon

half-ny·lon, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To nylon
Collins
World English Dictionary
nylon (ˈnaɪlɒn) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
1.  a class of synthetic polyamide materials made by copolymerizing dicarboxylic acids with diamines. They can be moulded into a variety of articles, such as combs and machine parts. Nylon monofilaments are used for bristles, etc, and nylon fibres can be spun into yarn
2.  a.  yarn or cloth made of nylon, used for clothing, stockings, etc
 b.  See also nylons (as modifier): a nylon dress
 
[C20: originally a trademark]

00:10
Nylon is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
NYLON (ˈnaɪlɒn) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n
informal a high-earning business executive who enjoys a transatlantic lifestyle, living part of the year in New York City and part in London
 
[C20: from N(ew) Y(ork) + Lon(don)]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

nylon
1938, coined, according to DuPont, from random generic syllable nyl- + -on, common ending in fiber names (cf. rayon), ult. from cotton. See "Women's Wear Daily," Feb. 9, 1940, for explanation of the name. Use (in pl.) for "nylon stockings" is from 1940.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
American Heritage
Science Dictionary
nylon   (nī'lŏn')  Pronunciation Key 
Any of various materials made of synthetic polyamides (a type of nitrogen-containing polymer). Nylon is very strong and elastic, and can be formed into fibers, sheets, or bristles. It is used to make fabrics, plastics, and molded products.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
The prototype's inner shell, made from a strong yet somewhat flexible nylon
  material, gives the ball structural strength.
The nylon nest packs down into a softball-sized package weighing less than two
  pounds.
In order to have a permanent copy of the fragments, a sheet of nylon is placed
  on top of the gel.
Initially he sold such items as pens, picture frames and nylon stockings.
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
  • Please Login or Sign Up to use the Recent Searches feature
FAVORITES
RECENT