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

“Neon Pill” — Cage the Elephant “Song of the Lake” — Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds “Starburster” — Fontaines D.C.

From Los Angeles Times

When I met Bal years ago in his studio, his characteristic flamboyance was evident in dazzling neon coloured silks embellished with intricate embroidery; sleek blouses and skirts along with taffeta skirts and netted blouses, in bright, warm and cool colours.

From BBC

Related Words

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