neon
Americannoun
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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.
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a sign or advertising sign formed from neon lamps.
adjective
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using or containing the gas neon.
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made of or formed by a neon lamp or lamps.
a neon sign.
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of, relating to, or characteristic of a tawdry urban district or of gaudy nighttime entertainment.
noun
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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
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(modifier) of or illuminated by neon or neon lamps
neon sign
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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.
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See Periodic Table
Etymology
Origin of neon
First recorded in 1895–1900; from New Latin, from Greek néon “new, recent” (neuter of néos ); -on 1
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Outside, Patrick Martinez welcomes guests with neon quotes supporting immigrant rights.
From Los Angeles Times
In one corner of the lounge, you can dig through records under a neon sign that reads, “But have you heard it on vinyl?”
From Los Angeles Times
Well-known works will be shown alongside never-before-seen pieces in a display that highlights painting, video, textile, neon, sculpture and more to survey Ms. Emin’s confessional approach to creating.
“She’s turning bright red and then white, red and white, like a neon sign.”
From Literature
The word flashed across his brain as if he had seen it blazing on a neon sign.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
