spandex
UK[ˈspændɛks]US[ˈspændɛks]
n
A synthetic elastic fiber used especially in clothing
n
Clothing made from this material
Etymology
The word 'spandex' is a 20th-century coinage, originating as a trademark for a synthetic fiber developed by the DuPont company. It is not derived from classical roots but was creatively formed as an anagram of the verb "expands," directly alluding to the key characteristic of the material: its exceptional elasticity and ability to stretch. This naming strategy logically connects the word's form to its core function, making it a memorable and descriptive term in the lexicon of modern textiles. The term has since become genericized, commonly used to refer to any similar elastic polyurethane fiber.
Analysis
This is a modern invented trademark. It is an anagram of the word "expands", chosen for its descriptive quality related to the material's property.
Examples
The dancer's costume was made of shiny blue spandex.
This athletic wear is a blend of cotton and spandex for added flexibility.
He found an old spandex shirt from the 1980s in the attic.