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.

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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

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

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

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Word Origin

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.

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