rubberyadj.
/ˈrʌb(ə)ri/, U.S. /ˈrəbəri/ Resembling or suggestive of rubber, esp. in consistency. Also figurative.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > constitution of matter > softness > pliableness > [adjective] > elastic > like rubber
India rubber1821
indiarubbery1857
rubbery1879
1879 Donahoe's Mag. Mar. 264/2 The rubbery part of Sanscript's body struck a Western Reserve cheese on the counter, scattering the skippers in consternation.
1887 M. P. Hatfield Physiol. & Hygiene of House v. 151 The bronchial tubes are at first cartilaginous, or rubbery, like the windpipe.
1907 J. Galsworthy Country House ii. v. 147 He left his hand against the animal's warm, soft, rubbery mouth.
1950 J. D. MacDonald Brass Cupcake (1974) x. 95 He paid off with a very rubbery check.
1962 Times 9 Apr. 4/1 His legs went rubbery as Pender smashed him with lefts and rights to the head.
2005 Time Out N.Y. 15 Sept. 202/2 Charlton Heston seems as if he's simultaneously speaking and chewing a rubbery steak.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2011; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1879