English Explanatory Dictionary

Teflon

English dictionary entry

Meanings

name
  1. A brand name of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) products, latterly applied to other fluoropolymer products.
noun
  1. Multiple film, resin, coatings, fabric and surface protectors made with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or fluoropolymer and surfactants not made with PTFE.
  2. Synonym of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”).
adj
  1. Having an undamageable reputation (by analogy with nonstick Teflon surfaces).
noun
  1. Synonym of polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE.
adj
  1. Non-stick, slick.
  2. Able to easily shrug off or deflect criticism or blame.

Pronunciation

/ˈtɛflɒn/

Word forms

Teflon Teflons more teflon most teflon

Etymology

Trade name, 1940s. From the first letters of tetra- (“four”) + fluoro- (“fluorine”) + -on modeled after nylon etc. From the fluorine count of polytetrafluoroethylene.

Synonyms

polytetrafluoroethylene PTFE

Derived words

teflon Teflon Don Teflonish Teflon flu
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