Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek νέον (néon), neuter of νέος (néos, “new”), from earlier *νέϝος (*néwos), from Proto-Hellenic *newos, from Proto-Indo-European *néwos. By surface analysis, neo- + -on (suffix used in all noble gases).
Meanings
(not-comparable, of a color) That resembles a neon light; extremely bright; fluorescent
Translations (3)
bg неонов (extremely bright; fluorescent) · ga lonrach (extremely bright; fluorescent) · ga gléineach (extremely bright; fluorescent)
Learned borrowing from Ancient Greek νέον (néon), neuter of νέος (néos, “new”), from earlier *νέϝος (*néwos), from Proto-Hellenic *newos, from Proto-Indo-European *néwos. By surface analysis, neo- + -on (suffix used in all noble gases).
Meanings
(uncountable) The chemical element (symbol Ne) with an atomic number of 10. The second of the noble gases, it is a colourless, odorless inert gas.
(countable) The chemical element (symbol Ne) with an atomic number of 10. The second of the noble gases, it is a colourless, odorless inert gas. ▸ A form or sample of the element.
(countable, uncountable) Neon signs or lights, collectively.
Neons and LED lighting can be controlled by remotes. 2009, Jason Syner, How to Install Automotive Mobile Electronic Systems, page 27:
Bring a song and a smile for the banjo
Better get while the getting's good
Hitch a ride to the end of the highway
Where the neons turn to wood 1970, “Up Around the Bend”, performed by Creedence Clearwater Revival:
(countable) A neon tetra fish.
There were all kinds - Swordtails, Guppies, Platys, Terras [sic], Neons, Cichlids, Labyrinth and Paradise fish, and every variety of exotic Goldfish. 1954, Ian Fleming, “Midnight Among The Worms”, in Live and Let Die, London: Pan Books, published 1957, page 156:
(attributive, before color names, countable, uncountable) Describes bright and vibrant colors having a fluorescent look.