Definition

1. Proper noun:

   • Nebraska: A state in the Midwestern United States, located within the Great Plains region. Its official two-letter postal abbreviation is "NE".

2. Noun:

   • Northeast: The compass point that is midway between north and east, specifically at a bearing of 45 degrees. It is often abbreviated as "NE".
   • Neon: A chemical element (symbol Ne, atomic number 10). It is a colorless, odorless, inert (noble) gas that produces a distinctive red-orange glow when electrically charged in a vacuum tube, such as a neon sign. It is present in small amounts in the Earth's atmosphere.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun (Nebraska):

  • Omaha is the largest city in NE.
  • We drove through NE on our road trip across the country.

• Noun (Northeast):

  • The wind is coming from the NE.
  • On the map, the treasure is buried NE of the old oak tree.

• Noun (Neon):

  • The sign was filled with Ne gas.
  • Ne is used in lighting and lasers.

Advanced Usage

• In Chemistry: The symbol "Ne" is used in chemical formulas and the periodic table to exclusively represent the element neon.
  • The atmosphere contains about 0.0018% Ne.

Variants and Related Words

• Nebraskan (adj/n): Relating to the state of Nebraska, or a person from Nebraska.
• Northeasterly (adj/adv): In or toward the northeast.
• Neon (n): The full name of the element. Often used attributively (e.g., , ).

Synonyms

• For Northeast: nor'-east, NE.
• For Neon: Element 10. (There are no true synonyms for elemental names).

Notes on Different Meanings

The meaning of "NE" is entirely dependent on context: * In addresses, geography, or discussions of U.S. states, it means Nebraska. * In navigation, weather, or directional contexts, it means northeast. * In scientific, chemical, or technical contexts, it means the element neon.

Noun

1. a midwestern state on the Great Plains
2. the compass point midway between north and east; at 45 degrees
3. a colorless odorless gaseous element that give a red glow in a vacuum tube; one of the six inert gasses; occurs in the air in small amounts