nylon

[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.

NYLON

¹

/ ˈnaɪlɒn /

noun

1. informal,  a high-earning business executive who enjoys a transatlantic lifestyle, living part of the year in New York City and part in London

nylon

²

/ ˈnaɪlɒn /

noun

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. 1. yarn or cloth made of nylon, used for clothing, stockings, etc

   2. ( as modifier ) See also nylons

      a nylon dress

nylon

1. 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.

Other Word Forms

• half-nylon adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of nylon¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nylon¹

C20: from N ( ew ) Y ( ork ) + Lon ( don )

Origin of nylon²

C20: originally a trademark

Example Sentences

Hong Kong is famous for its use of the scaffolding, which is erected by tying bamboo poles together with nylon fasteners.

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At the camp, which is funded by a Sudanese businessman, hundreds of families sleep in nylon tents or on plastic mats laid across the sand.

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Or purple martins: large, fast aerial insectivores for whom my roomy nylon tent would be a prison.

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“I feel like it’s so important to avoid polyester, nylon, any sort of plastic. And also the very harsh chemical dyes that are being used in clothing,” she said.

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Visitors can also explore a jungle wall of wild grasses made of nylon, plastic and polyester by Madagascan artist Joel Andrianomearisoa.

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