neon

Everyday

1. A gas found in tiny amounts in the air; it has no colour or smell, but glows bright red-orange when electricity passes through it. tree →
2. Neon lights: bright glowing tube lights used in signs. tree →
3. (adjective) Very bright, glowing colours, like neon pink or neon green. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons neon is a chemical element and a noble gas (symbol Ne, number 10 on the periodic table) that does not react easily. In everyday life it means shop signs and very bright clothes, like the neon vest that keeps you safe on a bike. Phrases: neon sign, neon green.

Examples

• Neon is a gas in the air we breathe. tree →
• The café had a red neon sign in the window. tree →
• She wore neon pink trainers. tree →
• Neon glows when electricity runs through it. tree →
• Wear a neon vest when you cycle at dusk. tree →
• Neon is one of the noble gases. tree →
• The city was full of neon lights at night. tree →

Note

Uncountable as a gas. Symbol Ne, atomic number 10. Myth: not every coloured sign is real neon; other gases make other colours. As an adjective it just means very bright.