dacron
C1-C2Formal, technical, commercial (when used correctly as a trademark). Informal, generic (when used for any polyester).
Definition
Meaning
A trademarked name for a type of polyester fibre, especially a specific brand of synthetic fabric.
In common, non-technical usage, it often refers generically to polyester fabric or garments made from it, though this is technically a generic trademark use.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable/uncountable noun referring to a material. Its usage is often historical, as it was a dominant brand in the mid-20th century. Modern speakers are more likely to use the generic term 'polyester'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is of American origin and is far more common in American English. In British English, the generic term 'polyester' or the British brand name 'Terylene' (historically) would be more typical.
Connotations
In both varieties, it can carry a slightly dated or nostalgic connotation. May imply a specific type of durable, easy-care fabric from the 1950s-70s.
Frequency
Low frequency in contemporary use in both varieties, but higher in American English, especially among older speakers or in historical/commercial contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[noun] made of Dacrona blend of cotton and DacronDacron is (a type of) polyesterVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “No common idioms.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in manufacturing, textile retail, or historical business contexts referring to branded products.
Academic
Rare; might appear in historical, materials science, or fashion studies texts.
Everyday
Mostly used by older generations; younger speakers simply say 'polyester'.
Technical
Used in textiles and manufacturing to specify a particular brand of polyester fibre with defined properties.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- The vintage dress was a classic Terylene blend, not Dacron.
American English
- He wore a crisp, permanent-press Dacron suit to the interview.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My jacket is made of polyester. (Instead of Dacron at this level)
- This old shirt isn't cotton; I think it's a synthetic material like Dacron.
- The sail was made from Dacron for its durability and resistance to mildew.
- The mid-century fascination with space-age materials was epitomised by the popularity of Dacron in everyday apparel.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'DAy at the beach in the sun - CRuNchy sand doesn't stick to your DACRON shirt because it's easy-care polyester.'
Conceptual Metaphor
SYNTHETIC IS ARTIFICIAL / DURABLE IS UNCHANGING (Dacron represents the mid-century ideal of durable, maintenance-free, man-made materials).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Direct translation as 'дакрон' is understood but is a historic borrowing. The more common modern equivalent is 'полиэстер'.
- Avoid using 'Dacron' as a generic term in formal writing; it remains a trademark.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'Dacron' as a verb or adjective beyond its attributive use (e.g., 'a Dacron shirt' is fine; 'to dacron something' is not).
- Capitalising it incorrectly (should be capitalised as a trademark, though often lowercased in generic use).
Practice
Quiz
What is 'Dacron' primarily known as?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Dacron is a specific brand name for a type of polyester fibre. In common usage, it's often used to mean polyester generally, but technically it's a trademark.
The fibre is still produced and used, particularly in specific applications like sails, thread, and certain textiles. However, the word is used less frequently in everyday language than the generic term 'polyester'.
In formal writing, it should be capitalised as it is a trademark (Dacron). In informal, generic use, you may see it in lower case, but this is technically incorrect.
Historically, the closest British brand equivalent was 'Terylene'. Today, British English simply uses the generic term 'polyester'.