rubber2

 
Pronunciation: /ˈrʌbə/

noun

  • a contest consisting of a series of successive matches (typically three or five) between the same sides or people in cricket, tennis, and other games: the opening rubber of Britain’s Davis Cup tie against Argentina
  • (also rubber match or rubber game) a deciding game in a rubber of cricket, tennis, etc..
  • Bridge a unit of play in which one side scores bonus points for winning the best of three games: the total score, including 700 for the rubber, was 2,620 [as modifier]: she supplemented her income with her winnings at rubber bridge

Origin:

late 16th century: of unknown origin; early use was as a term in bowls