rubber
1Also called India rubber, natural rubber, gum, gum elastic, caoutchouc . a highly elastic solid substance, light cream or dark amber in color, polymerized by the drying and coagulation of the latex or milky juice of rubber trees and plants, especially Hevea and Ficus species.
a material made by chemically treating and toughening this substance, valued for its elasticity, nonconduction of electricity, shock absorption, and resistance to moisture, used in the manufacture of erasers, electrical insulation, elastic bands, crepe soles, toys, water hoses, tires, and many other products.
any of various similar substances and materials made synthetically.: Compare synthetic rubber.
an eraser of this material, for erasing pencil marks, ink marks, etc.
Informal. a rubber tire or a set of rubber tires.
a low overshoe of this material.
an instrument or tool used for rubbing, polishing, scraping, etc.
a person who rubs something, as to smooth or polish it.
British. a dishcloth.
a person who gives massages; masseur or masseuse.
Horse Racing. swipe (def. 7).
Baseball. an oblong piece of white rubber or other material embedded in the mound at the point from which the pitcher delivers the ball.
a coarse file.
Slang. a condom.
Informal. to rubberneck.
made of, containing, or coated with rubber: a rubber bath mat.
pertaining to or producing rubber: a rubber plantation.
Origin of rubber
1Other words from rubber
- rub·ber·less, adjective
- rub·ber·like, adjective
Words Nearby rubber
Other definitions for rubber (2 of 2)
a series or round played until one sidereaches a specific score or wins a specific number of hands.
a series consisting of an odd number of games won by the side winning the majority, usually two out of three.
the deciding game in such a series.
Sports. noting a deciding contest between two opponents who have previously won the same number of contests from each other:a rubber match.
Origin of rubber
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use rubber in a sentence
This topological understanding of Euler’s formula — in which the shapes were rubber-like and not rigid — was first presented in an article by Johann Listing in 1861.
Different variations of Baffins and Sorels—think rubber bottom, synthetic top—boots are popular, good with moisture, and more lightweight, but generally not as effective in extreme cold as the bunny boots.
Dress like an Alaskan to weather the winter cold | By Tyler Freel/Outdoor Life | January 20, 2021 | Popular-ScienceThey have Clay and Harper, a rubber arm fit to swing between the majors and minors.
The Nationals’ bullpen doesn’t need a makeover. But it could use another arm or two. | Jesse Dougherty | January 14, 2021 | Washington PostOnce you pour your batter into the pan, smooth its top with a rubber spatula.
Lightly grease a rubber spatula with oil and use it to transfer the marshmallow mixture to the greased pan, spreading it evenly but quickly, as it will start to set.
Squishy, sweet homemade marshmallows will elevate your s’mores and hot chocolate | Daniela Galarza | January 12, 2021 | Washington Post
These villages used to harvest rubber, cacao, palm oil, and coffee beans.
He spent three days in a rubber room wearing a plastic smock before returning.
With a rubber spatula, stir in the chocolate and cranberries until the dough is well mixed.
Make These Barefoot Contessa Salty Oatmeal Chocolate Chunk Cookies | Ina Garten | November 28, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSoon his coffers were overflowing with revenue from rubber, palm oil, and ivory.
‘Argo’ in the Congo: The Ghosts of the Stanleyville Hostage Crisis | Nina Strochlic | November 23, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTI pressed the dime-sized rubber button on my vest, which was linked to my radio.
A special quality of glove made of asbestos cloth, lined with rubber, is supplied for electric light work.
Asbestos | Robert H. JonesThe garden walks were damp, and Edna called to the maid to bring out her rubber sandals.
The Awakening and Selected Short Stories | Kate ChopinMackintoshes, vulcanized india-rubber, gutta-percha, and gossamer dust-coats unknown then.
The Portsmouth Road and Its Tributaries | Charles G. HarperBut "son" had rebounded from the impact like a rubber ball, or the best trained gymnast of his school, as he was.
Dorothy at Skyrie | Evelyn RaymondTo-day they wore light covert coats over their canvas and rubber.
Ancestors | Gertrude Atherton
British Dictionary definitions for rubber (1 of 2)
/ (ˈrʌbə) /
Also called: India rubber, gum elastic, caoutchouc a cream to dark brown elastic material obtained by coagulating and drying the latex from certain plants, esp the tree Hevea brasiliensis
any of a large variety of elastomers produced by improving the properties of natural rubber or by synthetic means
mainly British a piece of rubber or felt used for erasing something written, typed, etc; eraser
a coarse file
a cloth, pad, etc, used for polishing or buffing
a person who rubs something in order to smooth, polish, or massage
(often plural) mainly US and Canadian a rubberized waterproof article, such as a mackintosh or overshoe
slang a male contraceptive; condom
(modifier) made of or producing rubber: a rubber ball; a rubber factory
Origin of rubber
1British Dictionary definitions for rubber (2 of 2)
/ (ˈrʌbə) /
bridge whist
a match of three games
the deal that wins such a match
a series of matches or games in any of various sports
Origin of rubber
2Collins 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 rubber
[ rŭb′ər ]
An elastic material prepared from the milky sap of certain tropical plants, especially the tree Hevea brasiliensis. Rubber is a polymer that is used, after processing, in a great variety of products, including electric insulation and tires. In its pure form, it is white and consists of repeating units of C5H8.
Any of various synthetic materials having properties that are similar to those of this substance.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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