Macintosh

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A waterproof coat typically made from rubberized fabric worn as rainwear ; a line of personal computers designed by Apple featuring a user-friendly interface and distinctive design
2. Rainwear made from waterproof material used especially in wet weather ; a computer created by Apple known for its graphical user interface and innovative technology
3. A rain-protective coat usually crafted from water-resistant fabric ; a computer brand by Apple recognized for its ease of use and iconic style

Etymology: Charles Macintosh was a Scottish chemist who, in 1823, patented a way of bonding rubber to cloth, producing a fabric that kept out rain. The rubberized cloth took his name, and "mackintosh" became the common word for a raincoat made from it. The spelling "macintosh," without the k, is an alternative form that has also long been used. The name's history has a second, lighter chapter. Because the material was waterproof, the coat became a standard item for damp British weather, and the word spread through everyday English as a generic noun. Its trademark status was eventually lost, which is why the name now appears in ordinary dictionaries rather than only in brand contexts. The computer shares the name for a different reason. Apple adopted "Macintosh" for its line of personal computers, and the spelling of the brand was fixed as the one without the k, which helped distinguish it from the raincoat.