rubber

noun rub·ber \ ˈrə-bər \

Definition of rubber

1 a : one that rubs

b : an instrument or object (such as a rubber eraser) used in rubbing, polishing, scraping, or cleaning

c : something that prevents rubbing or chafing

[from its use in erasers]

a : an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried — called also caoutchouc, india rubber

b : any of various synthetic rubberlike substances

c : natural or synthetic rubber modified by chemical treatment to increase its useful properties (such as toughness and resistance to wear) and used especially in tires, electrical insulation, and waterproof materials

3 : something made of or resembling rubber: such as

a : a rubber overshoe

b (1) : a rubber tire

(2) : the set of tires on a vehicle

c : a rectangular slab of white rubber in the middle of a baseball infield on which a pitcher stands while pitching

d : condom 1

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rubber

adjective

First Known Use of rubber

15th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

NEW! Time Traveler

rubber

noun

Definition of rubber

1 : a contest consisting of an odd number of games won by the side that takes a majority (such as two out of three)

2 : an odd game played to determine the winner of a tie

Origin and Etymology of rubber

origin unknown

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1594

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

RUBBER Defined for Kids

rubber

noun rub·ber \ ˈrə-bər \

Definition of rubber for Students

1 : an elastic substance obtained from the milky juice of some tropical plants

2 : something (as an overshoe) made of rubber

3 : something used in rubbing

4 : a synthetic substance like rubber

5 : a flat white rectangle on which a baseball pitcher stands

Medical Dictionary

rubber

noun rub·ber \ ˈrəb-ər \

medical Definition of rubber

1 : an elastic substance that is obtained by coagulating the milky juice of any of various tropical plants (as of the genera Hevea and Ficus), is essentially a polymer of isoprene, and is prepared as sheets and then dried — called also caoutchouc, india rubber

2 : condom 1