'Nylon' is a modern coinage from 1938 by DuPont, specifically by Wallace Carothers and his team, to name their new synthetic polyamide fiber. The name was chosen to be distinctive and pronounceable, without any specific etymological meaning, despite popular myths suggesting a portmanteau origin.
A strong, synthetic polyamide fiber or fabric, known for its elasticity, strength, and resistance to wear and chemicals, used in clothing, ropes, and many other products.
Coined in 1938 by Wallace Carothers and his team at DuPont. The name was chosen to be distinctive and pronounceable, without any specific etymological meaning or derivation from existing words. Popular theories, such as it being a portmanteau of 'New York' and 'London' (NY-LON), have been officially denied by DuPont, who stated it was a 'deliberately