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

A zinc plate is suspended on each side of the copper oxide element and kept from coming in contact with the latter by means of vulcanite buttons.

From Hawkins Electrical Guide, Number One Questions, Answers, & Illustrations, A Progressive Course of Study for Engineers, Electricians, Students and Those Desiring to acquire a Working Knowledge of Electricity and its Applications by Hawkins, Nehemiah

He nodded aft at a web of wire-coils, vulcanite levers and brass keys, standing beneath a wooden shelter in the stern.

From The Long Trick by Bartimeus

The arts and crafts associated with furniture work, paper-making and coach-building may also be specified, whilst tanneries, glassworks, india-rubber and vulcanite factories, brass-founding, machinery works, the making of biscuits, tea-bread and confectionery are all prominent.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 10 "Echinoderma" to "Edward" by Various

Cut vulcanite is cool and smooth, but moulded vulcanite is liable to be rough to the lips and should be avoided.

From Tobacco Leaves Being a Book of Facts for Smokers by Brennan, W. A.