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.
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-ny·lon, adjectiveWords nearby nylon
Example sentences from the Web for nylons
She said her husband used to dress up in her clothing (dresses, nylons, and bras) and wear his own makeup.
He missed the bobbypins on the floor, the nylons drying across the shower rack, the toothpaste tubes squeezed from the top.
At the Post |Horace Leonard Gold
British Dictionary definitions for nylons (1 of 3)
nylons
/ (ˈnaɪlɒnz) /
pl n
stockings made of nylon or other man-made material
British Dictionary definitions for nylons (2 of 3)
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)
British Dictionary definitions for nylons (3 of 3)
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
Scientific definitions for nylons
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.