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

The Sunday afternoon sun trickles through my streaked window and shines light onto my Miles Morales poster, which features the hero fearlessly swinging through a futuristic neon city.

Read more on Literature

We walked into the Loop, Chicago’s main business district—brimming with all the neon lights, the honking cars, the famous stores.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“The shop, with its black-and-white tile floors, murals and neon lighting, is full of comic books, graphic novels and collectibles,” Times entertainment and features editor Brittany Levine Beckman tells me.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

There are practical needs, of course — ramps for restrooms and extra-bright neon tape on the ground to better light up and mark cues and equipment for low-vision performers and crew members.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Through Hemingway’s beloved Centro district over to Gran Via for one last look, the neon and marble, the noise of traffic and midday tipplers.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

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