neon
UK[ˈniːɒn]US[ˈniːɑːn]
n
a chemical element that is a gas with no colour or smell, does not react with other chemicals, and shines red when an electric current passes through it
n
a bright, often reddish-orange colour, or a light that produces this colour
Etymology
the word 'neon' was coined in 1898 by its british discoverers, sir william ramsay and morris w. travers. they derived it directly from the greek neuter adjective 'neon', meaning 'new', which itself originates from the proto-indo-european root néwos. this naming followed the convention for newly discovered inert gases, such as argon (from greek 'argos', idle) and krypton (from greek 'kryptos', hidden). the logic is beautifully literal: the element was named 'the new one' to signify its recent discovery among the noble gases. its modern association with bright, colourful lighting stems from the distinctive red glow it emits when electrically charged, a property that led to the term 'neon light'.
Analysis
the word is a simplex form. it is a direct borrowing from the greek adjective 'neos' (new), via the neuter form 'neon'.
Examples
the sign was written in bright neon.
neon is used in advertising signs and television tubes.
she painted the room a shocking neon pink.