Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A synthetic rubber produced by polymerization of chloroprene and used in weather-resistant products, adhesives, shoe soles, sportswear, paints, and rocket fuels.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun A synthetic rubber, a polymer of chloroprene, commonly used in wetsuits, laptop sleeves, orthopedic braces, electrical insulation, liquid and sheet-applied elastomeric membranes and flashings, car fan belts, etc.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun a synthetic rubber that is resistant to oils and aging; used in waterproof products

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[neo– + (chloro)prene.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

US, 1930s; genericized trademark for DuPont brand of polychloroprene. neo- (“new”) +‎ isoprene (dropping the iso-), the latter from terpene. Originally called duprene (blend of DuPont and isoprene); the “new” is because neoprene was the first mass-produced general-purpose synthetic rubber.

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Examples

  • The thing I don't like about neoprene is the tendency for a leg to want to float away on you when you try to step over a log, etc.

    I don't have a dog and is not allowed to have one. Also I don't have a boat. 2009

  • The thing I don't like about neoprene is the tendency for a leg to want to float away on you when you try to step over a log, etc.

    I don't have a dog and is not allowed to have one. Also I don't have a boat. 2009

  • Keep them out of sunlight, UV rays are rough on the material, neoprene is not really affected by that to this extent.

    How Long Should Waders Last? Tim Romano 2008

  • The boot has a three-piece tongue, and the middle, made of gel encased in neoprene fabric, allows movement.

    USATODAY.com - Skates make for softer landings 2005

  • In the United States a truly commercial synthetic rubber, known as neoprene, was first produced by DuPont in 1932.

    One River Wade Davis 1996

  • In the United States a truly commercial synthetic rubber, known as neoprene, was first produced by DuPont in 1932.

    One River Wade Davis 1996

  • She bought her tote from Built, a New York-based company that makes its bags from neoprene, which is stretchable and machine-washable.

    NYT > Home Page By AUSTIN CONSIDINE 2011

  • She bought her tote from Built, a New York-based company that makes its bags from neoprene, which is stretchable and machine-washable.

    NYT > Home Page By AUSTIN CONSIDINE 2011

  • For them, Schwab added fabrics such as neoprene, leather, cashmere and even a metallic cracked lame, used on an asymmetrical cropped jacket.

    timesunion.com: Local Breaking News webmaster@timesunion.com 2010

  • The cost of owning an iPad can end up being considerably more, as users seek accessories such as neoprene covers to protect their sparkling gem of a gadget.

    Top Tech News 2010

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