nylon

[ nahy-lon ]
/ ˈnaɪ lɒn /

noun

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.
nylons, stockings made of nylon, especially sheer, full-length ones for women.

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Origin of nylon

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

OTHER WORDS FROM nylon

half-nylon, adjective

Words nearby nylon

Nyíregyháza, Nykøbing, Nykvist, nylghai, nylghau, nylon, nylon letdown, nylons, Nyman, NYME, nymph
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for nylon

British Dictionary definitions for nylon (1 of 2)

nylon
/ (ˈnaɪlɒn) /

noun

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
  1. yarn or cloth made of nylon, used for clothing, stockings, etc
  2. (as modifier)a nylon dress See also nylons

Word Origin for nylon

C20: originally a trademark

British Dictionary definitions for nylon (2 of 2)

NYLON
/ (ˈnaɪlɒn) /

noun

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

Word Origin for NYLON

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

Scientific definitions for nylon

nylon
[ nī′lŏn′ ]

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