Perspex

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A transparent acrylic material frequently employed in place of glass for its lightweight and shatter-resistant properties
2. This clear thermoplastic is widely used in applications including signage and protective screens due to its robustness and clarity
3. A clear, durable plastic often used as a lightweight, break-resistant alternative to glass

Etymology: Perspex began as a brand name, not a dictionary word. It was registered by the British chemical company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) for its clear acrylic plastic, which is chemically known as poly(methyl methacrylate). Over time the trademark was used so widely for this kind of plastic that it became a common noun, much as "hoover" came to mean any vacuum cleaner. The name itself appears to be a made-up coinage built to sound clear and transparent, in the same spirit as other proprietary names that borrow the look of Latin or Greek. The brand's success is why many people in Britain and elsewhere still reach for "perspex" when they mean any clear acrylic sheet, even when the product is actually made by a competitor.

Synonyms: acrylic, plexiglass