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Rubber Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rubber

[หˆrสŒbษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

material

A tough elastic polymeric substance made from the latex of a tropical plant or synthetically.

Synonyms

elastic, gum, latex.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rubber

Refers to the material derived from the latex of rubber trees, often used in tires, footwear, and other durable items.

  • The tires of this car are made from high-quality rubber.
  • She wore rubber boots to protect her feet from the rain.
latex

Refers to a natural or synthetic rubber, often used in gloves, balloons, and other flexible products.

  • Doctors often wear latex gloves during examinations.
  • The balloons were made of a thin latex material.
elastic

Describes a material's ability to return to its original shape after being stretched or deformed, often used in clothing and bands.

  • The elastic waistband makes these pants very comfortable.
  • They used an elastic band to keep the papers together.
gum

Usually refers to a sticky substance that can be chewed or used as a type of adhesive, often in art or culinary contexts.

  • She chews gum to freshen her breath.
  • You can use this kind of gum to attach the poster to the wall.

Examples of usage

  • Rubber is commonly used in the production of tires.
  • She wore rubber gloves to protect her hands.
  • The rubber band snapped when stretched too far.
Context #2 | Noun

object

An eraser, especially on the end of a pencil.

Synonyms

eraser.

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Word Description / Examples
rubber

Commonly used in British English to refer to an object used for correcting pencil marks or mistakes. It can also refer to the material (elastic substance) made from latex, used in making various products like tires, gloves, etc.

  • I used a rubber to clean up my homework mistakes.
  • This ball is made of rubber.
eraser

Commonly used in American English to refer to an object used for correcting pencil marks or mistakes.

  • Could you please pass me an eraser? I made a lot of mistakes.
  • She bought a new eraser for her art class.

Examples of usage

  • Can I borrow your rubber to correct my mistake?
  • He used the rubber to delete the incorrect answer.
Context #3 | Noun

British informal

A condom.

Synonyms

condom.

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Word Description / Examples
rubber

In American English, this term can also mean a slang for โ€˜condomโ€™. It has a casual and sometimes humorous tone.

  • He always keeps a rubber in his wallet just in case.
  • During the lecture on health education, the teacher explained the importance of using rubbers.
condom

This word is appropriate when discussing a contraceptive device used during sexual intercourse. It has a specific and serious implication related to sexual health and protection.

  • Using a condom can help prevent sexually transmitted diseases.
  • They decided to use condoms to avoid pregnancy.

Examples of usage

  • He always carries a rubber in his wallet.
Context #4 | Noun

British informal

An overshoe made of rubber; a galosh.

Synonyms

galosh, overshoe.

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Word Description / Examples
rubber

This refers to footwear, specifically boots made from rubber material, used to protect feet in wet or muddy conditions.

  • She wore her rubbers to walk through the puddle-filled street.
  • Rubbers are essential for hiking during the rainy season.
overshoe

This word is used in formal or technical settings, describing a protective covering worn over regular shoes to shield them from water, dirt, or other elements. It is a more general term than 'galosh'.

  • The workers were provided with overshoes to keep their shoes clean in the construction area.
  • Overshoes are often used in cleanroom environments to keep floors free of contaminants.
galosh

Primarily referring to a type of waterproof overshoe that is worn over regular shoes to protect them from getting wet. This term can sound somewhat old-fashioned.

  • He slipped his galoshes over his dress shoes to keep them dry.
  • During rainy seasons, people often used galoshes to walk through muddy roads.

Examples of usage

  • She put on her rubbers before going out in the rain.
Context #5 | Verb

informal

To erase or remove pencil marks using a rubber.

Synonyms

delete, erase.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rubber

Common in American English, knows as a contraceptive device; however, the use may carry negative or awkward connotations depending on the context.

  • He jokingly asked if anyone had a rubber, causing the group to laugh awkwardly
erase

Used in both digital and physical contexts to mean removing something that was written, drawn, or recorded.

  • He used a cloth to erase the chalk from the board
  • You need to erase your browsing history
delete

Typically used in digital contexts to mean removing text, files, or data.

  • Please delete the files you no longer need
  • If you make a mistake, just delete it

Examples of usage

  • Please rubber out the mistake in your notebook.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Natural rubber is made from polyisoprene, a polymer that comes from the latex of rubber trees.
  • Vulcanization, a process developed in the 19th century, makes rubber more durable and heat-resistant.
  • Synthetic rubber, created from petroleum, can mimic the properties of natural rubber and is often used in various industries.

Pop Culture

  • Many children's toys, like bouncy balls and rubber ducks, are made from rubber, making them safe and fun.
  • In the world of animation, cartoon characters often have rubber-like flexibility, allowing for exaggerated movements.
  • The famous yellow 'rubber duck' has become a pop culture icon, representing playful bath time for kids.

History

  • Rubber had been used by ancient civilizations, such as the Mayans and Aztecs, to create balls for rituals and games.
  • In the 19th century, rubber gained industrial importance during the Industrial Revolution, leading to the mass production of tires.
  • The invention of the first rubber stamp in the 1860s changed how information was shared, facilitating communication.

Technology

  • Modern technology has harnessed rubber in products like smartphones, where rubber helps to protect devices with cases and bumpers.
  • Rubber is used in various automotive applications, including seals and gaskets, enhancing the functionality and durability of vehicles.
  • In electronics, rubber is often used in insulation and cushioning to protect delicate components from shocks.

Origin of 'rubber'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'rubber' comes from its original use: it was used to rub out pencil marks.
  • The term was popularized in the 18th century as people began using it to erase mistakes on paper.
  • Rubber is derived from the sap of rubber trees, mainly found in tropical regions.

The word 'rubber' comes from the substance itself, which was originally made from the latex sap of rubber trees. The use of rubber has evolved over time, from its natural form to synthetic production methods. Rubber has played a crucial role in various industries, especially in the manufacturing of tires, seals, and other elastic products. The term 'rubber' is also commonly used to refer to erasers due to their rubber-like texture and ability to erase pencil marks. In British English, 'rubber' has additional informal meanings related to condoms and overshoes.

See also: rub, rubbing, rubble, rubdown, rube, ruby.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,176, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.