naphtha

[ naf-thuh, nap- ]

/ ˈnæf θə, ˈnæp- /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR naphtha ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

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

any of various similar liquids distilled from other products.

petroleum.

Nearby words

naperville, napery, naphtali, naphtalite, naphth-, naphtha, naphthacene, naphthalene, naphthalenic, naphthalic, naphthalin

Origin of naphtha

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

Related forms

naph·thous, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for naphtha

Aaron, carrying the naphtha lantern, led the way across the strip of new-plowed soil.
Blind Man's Lantern|Allen Kim Lang
It can only be preserved in naphtha, rock oil, or some other fluid hydrocarbon.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II|Arnold Cooley
In consequence of its great affinity for oxygen, potassium must be kept in some fluid destitute of that element, such as naphtha.
Every Boy's Book: A Complete Encyclopdia of Sports and Amusements|Various
Naphtha is still found near Hit, 130 miles to the north of Babylon.
A Primer of Assyriology|Archibald Henry Sayce

For what are aniline, paraffine, naphtha, and carbolic acid used?
Commercial Geography|Jacques W. Redway

British Dictionary definitions for naphtha

naphtha

/ (ˈnæfθə, ˈnæp-) /

noun

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

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

an obsolete name for petroleum

Word Origin for naphtha

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for naphtha

naphtha

[ năf′thə, năp′- ]

n.

Any of several highly volatile, flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum, coal tar, or natural gas and used as solvents and in making various chemicals.

Science definitions for naphtha

naphtha

[ năf′thə ]

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.