vulcanite

American  

[vuhl-kuh-nahyt] / ˈvʌl kəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. a hard, readily cut and polished rubber, obtained by vulcanizing rubber with a large amount of sulfur, used in the manufacture of combs, buttons, and for electric insulation.

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vulcanite British  

/ ˈvʌlkəˌnaɪt /

noun

1. Also called: ebonite.  a hard usually black rubber produced by vulcanizing natural rubber with large amounts of sulphur. It is resistant to chemical attack: used for chemical containers, electrical insulators, etc

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Etymology

Origin of vulcanite

First recorded in 1830–40; Vulcan + -ite ¹

Example Sentences

The vulcanite cases were certainly a bargain�only a shilling a sackful�and they blazed warmly in open grates.

From Time Magazine Archive

It comes in one-half-ounce boxes, filled with sheets less than two inches square; the thin ones are used for filling, and the thick ones make good linings for vulcanite.

From Tin Foil and Its Combinations for Filling Teeth by Ambler, Henry Lovejoy

On no account must a syringe with a bone or glass or vulcanite point be used: the indiarubber nozzle is soft, and from it one or two drops can easily be inserted between the eyelids.

From A Manual of Toy Dogs How to breed, rear, and feed them by Williams, Mrs. Leslie

Though the cheapness and simplicity of the vulcanite base has led to its abuse in incompetent hands, it has on the whole been productive of much benefit.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 2 "Demijohn" to "Destructor" by Various

It is then water-proofed with vulcanite water-proofing and gravel.

From The New York Subway Its Construction and Equipment by Anonymous