rubber

¹

[ ruhb-er ]

noun

1. Also called India rubber,. a highly elastic solid substance, light cream or dark amber in color, polymerized by the drying and coagulation of the latex or milky juice of rubber trees and plants, especially Hevea and Ficus species.
2. a material made by chemically treating and toughening this substance, valued for its elasticity, nonconduction of electricity, shock absorption, and resistance to moisture, used in the manufacture of erasers, electrical insulation, elastic bands, crepe soles, toys, water hoses, tires, and many other products.
3. any of various similar substances and materials made synthetically. Compare synthetic rubber ( def ).
4. rubber band.
5. an eraser of this material, for erasing pencil marks, ink marks, etc.
6. Informal. a rubber tire or a set of rubber tires.
7. a low overshoe of this material.
8. an instrument or tool used for rubbing, polishing, scraping, etc.
9. a person who rubs something, as to smooth or polish it.
10. cutter ( def 8 ).
11. British. a dishcloth.
12. a person who gives massages; masseur or masseuse.
13. Horse Racing. swipe ( def 7 ).
14. Baseball. an oblong piece of white rubber or other material embedded in the mound at the point from which the pitcher delivers the ball.
15. a coarse file.
16. Slang. a condom.

verb (used without object)

1. Informal. to rubberneck.

adjective

1. made of, containing, or coated with rubber:

   a rubber bath mat.

2. pertaining to or producing rubber:

   a rubber plantation.

rubber

²

[ ruhb-er ]

noun

1. a series or round played until one sidereaches a specific score or wins a specific number of hands.
2. a series consisting of an odd number of games won by the side winning the majority, usually two out of three.
3. the deciding game in such a series.

adjective

1. Sports. noting a deciding contest between two opponents who have previously won the same number of contests from each other:

   a rubber match.

rubber

¹

/ ˈrʌbə /

noun

1. bridge whist
   1. a match of three games
   2. the deal that wins such a match
2. a series of matches or games in any of various sports

rubber

²

/ ˈrʌbə /

noun

1. Also calledIndia rubbergum elasticcaoutchouc a cream to dark brown elastic material obtained by coagulating and drying the latex from certain plants, esp the tree Hevea brasiliensis
2. any of a large variety of elastomers produced by improving the properties of natural rubber or by synthetic means
3. a piece of rubber or felt used for erasing something written, typed, etc; eraser
4. a coarse file
5. a cloth, pad, etc, used for polishing or buffing
6. a person who rubs something in order to smooth, polish, or massage
7. often plural a rubberized waterproof article, such as a mackintosh or overshoe
8. slang.
   a male contraceptive; condom
9. modifier made of or producing rubber

   a rubber factory

   a rubber ball

rubber

/ rŭb′ər /

1. An elastic material prepared from the milky sap of certain tropical plants, especially the tree Hevea brasiliensis. Rubber is a polymer that is used, after processing, in a great variety of products, including electric insulation and tires. In its pure form, it is white and consists of repeating units of C 5 H 8 .
2. Any of various synthetic materials having properties that are similar to those of this substance.

Other Words From

• rubber·less adjective
• rubber·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rubber¹

First recorded in 1530–40; rub + -er ¹

Origin of rubber²

First recorded in 1585–95; origin uncertain

Word History and Origins

Origin of rubber¹

C16: origin unknown

Origin of rubber²

C17: from rub + -er ¹; the tree was so named because its product was used for rubbing out writing

Example Sentences

This topological understanding of Euler’s formula — in which the shapes were rubber-like and not rigid — was first presented in an article by Johann Listing in 1861.

From Quanta Magazine

Different variations of Baffins and Sorels—think rubber bottom, synthetic top—boots are popular, good with moisture, and more lightweight, but generally not as effective in extreme cold as the bunny boots.

From Popular-Science

They have Clay and Harper, a rubber arm fit to swing between the majors and minors.

From Washington Post

Once you pour your batter into the pan, smooth its top with a rubber spatula.

From Popular-Science

Lightly grease a rubber spatula with oil and use it to transfer the marshmallow mixture to the greased pan, spreading it evenly but quickly, as it will start to set.

From Washington Post

These villages used to harvest rubber, cacao, palm oil, and coffee beans.

From The Daily Beast

He spent three days in a rubber room wearing a plastic smock before returning.

From The Daily Beast

With a rubber spatula, stir in the chocolate and cranberries until the dough is well mixed.

From The Daily Beast

Soon his coffers were overflowing with revenue from rubber, palm oil, and ivory.

From The Daily Beast

I pressed the dime-sized rubber button on my vest, which was linked to my radio.

From The Daily Beast

A special quality of glove made of asbestos cloth, lined with rubber, is supplied for electric light work.

From Project Gutenberg

The garden walks were damp, and Edna called to the maid to bring out her rubber sandals.

From Project Gutenberg

Mackintoshes, vulcanized india-rubber, gutta-percha, and gossamer dust-coats unknown then.

From Project Gutenberg

But "son" had rebounded from the impact like a rubber ball, or the best trained gymnast of his school, as he was.

From Project Gutenberg

To-day they wore light covert coats over their canvas and rubber.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• soft