neoprene

[nee-uh-preen]

noun Chemistry.

an oil-resistant synthetic rubber: used chiefly in paints, putties, linings for tanks and chemical apparatus, and in crepe soles for shoes.

Origin of neoprene

First recorded in 1935–40; neo- + (chloro)prene

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for neoprene

Contemporary Examples of neoprene

At John Galliano, designer Bill Gaytten presented a collection of neoprene jackets, electric colors, and chic baseball hats.
Paris Fashion Week Photo of the Day: September 29
September 30, 2013
Closing out the presentation, Rocky emerged in a neoprene zip-up and scrunched-up drop-crotch pants.
Street Wear Brand Hood by Air Makes Fashion Week Debut
Misty White Sidell
February 11, 2013
The gentle tops were paired with neoprene trousers; dresses were made more engaging thanks to the precision of laser-cut details.
New York Fashion Week: Top-Trends Roundup
Robin Givhan
February 17, 2012
It is made of chicken wire and neoprene, and was donated to Jones by a fan.
Meet the Superhero Vigilantes
Winston Ross
December 6, 2010

Historical Examples of neoprene

It wasn't a leather, it wasn't a rubber, it was like a neoprene.
Warren Commission (10 of 26): Hearings Vol. X (of 15)
The President's Commission on the Assassination of President Kennedy
Joel Latham felt a hardness at his heel, an irritating lump inside his neoprene boot.
One Purple Hope!
Henry Hasse
Scotty spent the time on a small repair job, taping up the neoprene gasoline hoses that carried fuel to the houseboat motors.
The Flying Stingaree
Harold Leland Goodwin

British Dictionary definitions for neoprene

neoprene

noun

a synthetic rubber obtained by the polymerization of chloroprene. It is resistant to oil and ageing and is used in waterproof products, such as diving suits, paints, and adhesives

Word Origin for neoprene

C20: from neo- + pr (opyl) + -ene

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

neoprene in Science

neoprene

[nē′ə-prēn′]

A tough, synthetic rubber that is resistant to the effects of oils, solvents, heat, and weather. Neoprene is a polymer whose basic constituent is chlorinated butadiene. Neoprene was one of the first synthetic rubbers to be developed.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.