A synthetic polymer material known for its strength and elasticity, commonly used in textiles, ropes, and various manufactured goods.
Coined by DuPont chemists in 1938, possibly from 'New York' and 'London' (though DuPont denied this), or created as an arbitrary name that was euphonious and unlike existing trademarks.
Nylon was the first fully synthetic fiber and revolutionized fashion when nylon stockings debuted in 1940 - stores sold out immediately, leading to 'nylon riots' when supplies were diverted to parachutes during WWII. The invention sparked the entire synthetic materials industry.
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