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Teflon

//ˈtɛflɒn// adj, name, noun, slang

Definitions

Adjective
  1. 1
    Having an undamageable reputation (by analogy with nonstick Teflon surfaces). informal, not-comparable

    "a Teflon image"

  2. 2
    Non-stick, slick. figuratively
  3. 3
    Able to easily shrug off or deflect criticism or blame. figuratively

    "the teflon Prime Minister"

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    A brand name of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”) products, latterly applied to other fluoropolymer products.
Noun
  1. 1
    Multiple film, resin, coatings, fabric and surface protectors made with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) or fluoropolymer and surfactants not made with PTFE. countable, uncountable

    "...tweeting in defiance at all those horrendous scandals that were meant to destroy his campaign. He made teflon look sticky."

  2. 2
    Synonym of polytetrafluoroethylene, PTFE. uncountable

    "...tweeting in defiance at all those horrendous scandals that were meant to destroy his campaign. He made teflon look sticky."

  3. 3
    a material used to coat cooking utensils and in industrial applications where sticking is to be avoided wordnet
  4. 4
    Synonym of polytetrafluoroethylene (“PTFE”). countable, uncountable

Etymology

Etymology 1

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

Etymology 2

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

Etymology 3

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

Etymology 4

Genericization of trademark Teflon.

Etymology 5

Genericization of trademark Teflon.

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