kleenex
UK[ˈkliːnɛks]US[ˈkliːnɛks]
n
A brand name for a soft, disposable paper tissue, used especially for blowing the nose.
n
(lowercase) Any disposable paper tissue, regardless of brand.
Etymology
The word 'Kleenex' is a modern trademark originating in the United States in 1924. It was created by the Kimberly-Clark corporation as a brand name for their disposable facial tissues. The name is a direct and clever derivation from the English word 'clean', with the '-ex' suffix added to suggest excellence and modernity, mirroring the pattern of other contemporary product names like 'Pyrex' and 'Cutex'. The term has undergone a process of genericization, where the specific brand name has become a common noun used to refer to any soft paper tissue, illustrating the powerful influence of marketing on everyday language.
Analysis
This is a proprietary brand name (trademark) created from an existing English word. It is not a combination of classical morphemes but a deliberate commercial coinage.
Examples
Could you please pass me a kleenex? My allergies are acting up.
She always keeps a small pack of kleenex in her purse.
The brand name Kleenex is often used generically for facial tissues.