neon

ne-on · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A colorless, odorless inert gaseous element that glows reddish-orange when electrically charged; atomic number 10, symbol Ne.

  2. 2.

    Bright lighting or signs made using tubes filled with neon or similar gases, typically associated with urban nightlife and advertising.

  3. 3.

    (attributive) Extremely bright, fluorescent colors reminiscent of neon lights.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    neon sign — an illuminated sign made with neon tubes
  • •
    neon light — a light produced by electrically charged neon gas
  • •
    in neon — very obviously or prominently displayed

Related words

See also: fluorescent, gas, light
Synonyms: noble gas

Etymology

From Greek neos ("new"). The element was named by its discoverers William Ramsay and Morris Travers in 1898, as it was a newly discovered element.