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.

Nearby words

nyet, nykvist, nykøbing, nylghai, nylghau, nylon, nylon letdown, nylons, nyman, nyme, nymph

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

Related forms

half-ny·lon, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for nylon

The mother unties the palm staves from the mattress, then takes the nylon ropes and ties the mattress to the boat.
Whatever You Do Someone Will Die. A Short Story About Impossible Choices in Iraq|Nathan Bradley Bethea|August 31, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Other techniques included laser-cut laces, braiding, and high-gloss liquid fabrics made from silk and nylon.
Iris Van Herpen Spring/Summer 2014: Sonic Youth|Liza Foreman|October 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
My hands were cuffed together; my legs were burning from the nylon rope my mother had used to tie me to my bed.
Handcuffs, Ropes, and an Open Window: How I Escaped an Unthinkable Childhood|Genyfer Spark|January 29, 2012|DAILY BEAST
She has written for NYLON, NYLON Guys, and thehandbook.co.uk, a London-based website.
Women Who Rule the Stage: Theater Goddesses Honored at Second Annual Lilly Awards|Lizzie Crocker|June 9, 2011|DAILY BEAST

She has written for NYLON, NYLON Guys, and thehandbook.co.uk, a London-based website.
Midwinter Madness in New York 2011|Lizzie Crocker|February 23, 2011|DAILY BEAST
We were allergic to women from their nylon hose to their face powder.
Homesick|Lyn Venable
A nylon rope attached to the tips of the booms held them ten feet apart.
Fish Populations, Following a Drought, in the Neosho and Marais des Cygnes Rivers of Kansas|James Everett Deacon
It's all foam rubber, nylon braid supports and magnesium tubing.
The Dope on Mars|John Michael Sharkey
Joe Mauser waved to him and dropped the release lever which ejected the nylon rope from the glider's nose.
Mercenary|Dallas McCord Reynolds
Inside he looked over the shelves, selected a heavy coil of nylon rope, a sheath knife, a canteen.
It Could Be Anything|John Keith Laumer

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

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

Science 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.