naphtha

[naf-thuh, nap-]

noun

1. a colorless, volatile petroleum distillate, usually an intermediate product between gasoline and benzine, used as a solvent, fuel, etc.

2. any of various similar liquids distilled from other products.

3. petroleum.

naphtha

/ ˈnæfθə, ˈnæp- /

noun

1. a distillation product from coal tar boiling in the approximate range 80–170°C and containing aromatic hydrocarbons

2. a distillation product from petroleum boiling in the approximate range 100–200°C and containing aliphatic hydrocarbons: used as a solvent and in petrol

3. an obsolete name for petroleum

naphtha

1. Any of several liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons made by refining petroleum or by breaking down coal tar. Naphtha is usually flammable, and is used as a solvent and as an ingredient in gasoline. It is also used to make plastics.

Other Word Forms

• naphthous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of naphtha¹

1565–75; < Latin < Greek náphthas, perhaps < Iranian *nafta, derivative of *nab- to be damp; compare Avestan napta- damp, Persian naft naphtha

Word History and Origins

Origin of naphtha¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, of Iranian origin; related to Persian neft naphtha

Example Sentences

Last weekend, two oil tankers identified by the European Union as having transported banned Russian oil arrived in Venezuela with light crude and naphtha.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It posted images showing the blaze still raging Saturday, likely fueled by the naphtha on board.

Read more on Seattle Times

The oil can replace fossil ingredients like naphtha and gases to manufacture ethylene and propylene.

Read more on Science Daily

The fire damaged two giant storage tanks for naphtha, a component in the production of gasoline and jet fuels.

Read more on Seattle Times

According to the company, a storage tank at the facility released naphtha — a partially refined product used as feed stock to make gasoline — and a fire ignited shortly before 7 a.m.

Read more on Seattle Times

Related Words

• crude oil 
• fossil fuel 
• fuel 
• gas 
• gasoline 
• kerosene 
• natural gas 
• petrol