Teflon

Meaning

Name

A brand name of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) products, latterly applied to other fluoropolymer products.

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) Multiple film, resin, coatings, fabric and surface protectors made with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or fluoropolymer and surfactants not made with PTFE.
2. (countable, uncountable) Synonym of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”).

Adj

Having an undamageable reputation (by analogy with nonstick Teflon surfaces).

Synonyms

polytetrafluoroethylene

Translations

tefló

Teflon

polytétrafluoroéthylène

politetrafluoroetilene

Teflon

teflon

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈtɛflɒn/

Etymology

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