neon

[ nee-on ]

noun

1. Chemistry. a chemically inert gaseous element occurring in small amounts in the earth's atmosphere, used chiefly in a type of electrical lamp. : Ne; : 20.183; : 10; density: 0.9002 grams/liter at 0°C and 760 millimeters pressure.
2. neon lamp.
3. a sign or advertising sign formed from neon lamps.

adjective

1. using or containing the gas neon.
2. made of or formed by a neon lamp or lamps:

   a neon sign.

3. of, relating to, or characteristic of a tawdry urban district or of gaudy nighttime entertainment.

neon

/ ˈniːɒn /

noun

1. a colourless odourless rare gaseous element, an inert gas occurring in trace amounts in the atmosphere: used in illuminated signs and lights. Symbol: Ne; atomic no: 10; atomic wt: 20.1797; valency: 0; density: 0.899 90 kg/m³; melting pt: –248.59°C; boiling pt: –246.08°C
2. modifier of or illuminated by neon or neon lamps

   neon sign

neon

/ nē′ŏn′ /

1. A rare colorless element in the noble gas group that occurs naturally in extremely small amounts in the atmosphere. It glows reddish orange when electricity passes through it, as in a tube in an electric neon light. Neon is also used for refrigeration. Atomic number 10; atomic weight 20.180; melting point −248.67°C; boiling point −245.95°C.
2. See Periodic Table

Word History and Origins

Origin of neon¹

First recorded in 1895–1900; from New Latin, from Greek néon “new, recent” (neuter of néos ); -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of neon¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek neon new

Example Sentences

One half is branded with a giant red neon X symbol, the other with a blue circle.

From BBC

The majority of people eyeing the scantily dressed women behind the red neon windows are tourists.

From BBC

Outside the fenced-off area where he held court, workers in neon yellow vests emblazoned with “Kevin de León Cleanup Crew” handed out bottles of water.

From Los Angeles Times

Amid the chaos of children screaming, buzzers ringing and neon lights blinking, we felt a level of certainty — a kind of quiet calm that I haven’t felt before.

From Los Angeles Times

This store boasted muted neutral bins and amber-toned aisles, a drastic contrast from the buzzing neons of the popular chains.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• blazing
• brilliant
• glowing
• lambent
• luminous
• radiant
• shining
• vivid