Perspex etymology

Etymology

Perspex is a brand name for a type of acrylic plastic. It was coined in 1933 by the British company Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI).

Meaning

The name "Perspex" is derived from the following:

  • "Per": Short for "perspicuus," a Latin word meaning "clear" or "transparent"
  • "Spex": Short for "spectacles" or "spectacle material"

Thus, the name Perspex conveys the idea of a clear, transparent material suitable for use in spectacles and other optical applications.

Origin

The development of Perspex began in the early 20th century with the discovery of acrylic resins by German chemist Otto Röhm in 1901. However, it was not until the 1930s that ICI scientists developed a process for producing clear, cast acrylic sheets. These sheets were initially marketed under the brand name Lucite in the United States and Perspex in the United Kingdom.

Perspex quickly gained popularity as a lightweight, shatter-resistant alternative to glass. During World War II, it was widely used in aircraft canopies, windows, and other applications where transparency and durability were required. After the war, Perspex found applications in a wide range of industries, including construction, automotive, and retail display.

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