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

Two parallel coils of wire were wound in channels cut round rings of brass, which, however, were cut across by slots filled with vulcanite, to prevent induced currents from circulating in the brass.

From Lord Kelvin An account of his scientific life and work by Gray, Andrew

Two thimbles should be used, one on each hand, and the best are old silver or gold ones, with all the roughness worn off, or ivory or vulcanite.

From Handbook of Embroidery by Alford, Marianne Margaret Compton Cust, Viscountess

Medium Size Microscope, inclinable, with revolving centering vulcanite stage, coarse adjustment by rack and pinion, fine adjustment by micrometer-screw.

From Microscopes and Accessory Apparatus Catalogue No. 40 by Leitz, Ernst