neon
0 antonyms and opposites of neon, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A chemical element (symbol Ne) — a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish-orange when electrified.
How to use neon
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Greek neon, meaning "new" — named because it was a newly discovered element when identified in 1898.
Full origin of neon →Frequently asked questions
What does “neon” mean?
The word “neon” means a chemical element (symbol Ne) — a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish-orange when electrified. In plain terms, a gas known for glowing brightly in signs, and by extension a word for very bright, vivid colors.
How do you pronounce “neon”?
“Neon” is pronounced NEE-on (/ˈniˌɑn/ in IPA).
How do you use “neon” in a sentence?
Here is “neon” used in a sentence: “Neon is used to fill the glass tubes in old-fashioned signs.”
What part of speech is “neon”?
Depending on how it is used, “neon” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “neon” come from?
The word “neon” dates back to around 1898 and comes from Greek. From Greek neon, meaning "new" — named because it was a newly discovered element when identified in 1898.
Is “neon” a common word?
“Neon” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “neon” have?
“Neon” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a chemical element (symbol Ne) — a colorless, odorless noble gas that glows reddish-orange when electrified.
What is the difference between neon the gas and neon the color?
Neon the gas is a colorless, odorless chemical element that glows reddish-orange when electrified, commonly used in signage. Neon as a color term describes any extremely bright, fluorescent shade, such as neon green or neon pink, which is a figurative extension of the glowing light neon signs produce.
Why are neon signs called neon even when they aren't red or orange?
The term neon sign became a general name for gas-discharge lighting used in advertising, even though many such signs use other noble gases or coatings to produce different colors. The word neon stuck as a catch-all term for this style of glowing tube lighting.
Is neon a noble gas?
Yes, neon (symbol Ne) is classified as a noble gas, meaning it is colorless, odorless, and largely unreactive under normal conditions. It is best known for the reddish-orange glow it produces when electrified inside signage tubes.