neon

[nee-on]

noun

1. Chemistry.,  a chemically inert gaseous element occurring in small amounts in the earth's atmosphere, used chiefly in a type of electrical lamp. Ne; 20.183; 10; density: 0.9002 grams/liter at 0°C and 760 millimeters pressure.

2. neon lamp.

3. a sign or advertising sign formed from neon lamps.

adjective

1. using or containing the gas neon.

2. made of or formed by a neon lamp or lamps.

   a neon sign.

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of a tawdry urban district or of gaudy nighttime entertainment.

neon

/ ˈniːɒn /

noun

1. a colourless odourless rare gaseous element, an inert gas occurring in trace amounts in the atmosphere: used in illuminated signs and lights. Symbol: Ne; atomic no: 10; atomic wt: 20.1797; valency: 0; density: 0.899 90 kg/m³; melting pt: –248.59°C; boiling pt: –246.08°C

2. (modifier) of or illuminated by neon or neon lamps

   neon sign

neon

1. A rare colorless element in the noble gas group that occurs naturally in extremely small amounts in the atmosphere. It glows reddish orange when electricity passes through it, as in a tube in an electric neon light. Neon is also used for refrigeration. Atomic number 10; atomic weight 20.180; melting point −248.67°C; boiling point −245.95°C.

2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of neon¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; from New Latin, from Greek néon “new, recent” (neuter of néos ); -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of neon¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek neon new

Example Sentences

Though a vintage neon sign out front advertises steaks, barbecue and lamb chops, the fare is Chinese.

From Los Angeles Times

On a connected lot, outside a former Comfort Inn, a large neon green sign reads “Hope.”

From Los Angeles Times

Thomas represented her muses in poses that were dignified, glamorous, sensuous and exuberant, employing everything from acrylic paint to glitter and rhinestones to neon lights.

From Los Angeles Times

Where their previous albums were firmly rooted in Ireland, Romance was inspired by the neon lights of Tokyo and classic Japanese animation Akira, whose themes of nuclear era paranoia inform the band's nervy guitar anthems.

From BBC

There are clothing racks, filled with leather jackets and neon bras, in the middle of the room.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blazing 
• brilliant 
• glowing 
• lambent 
• luminous 
• radiant 
• shining 
• vivid