Vulcanize
/ˈvʌlkənaɪz/noun
To harden or chemically treat rubber by adding sulfur and heat.
Did you know?The term was coined in the 19th century from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and metalworking, after the process was discovered to make rubber tough, heat-resistant, and seemingly ‘forged’ rather than merely manufactured.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Rome
Latin
Vulcānus
“Vulcan, the Roman god of fire, metalworking, and the forge”
Early Modern Period
English
Vulcan
“The Roman god of fire and smithing, used in learned and literary contexts”
1830s
English
vulcanize
“To treat rubber with sulfur to make it durable and elastic”
Modern English
English
vulcanize
“To harden rubber by chemical treatment, especially with sulfur”