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. Compare mineral spirits.
2. any of various similar liquids distilled from other products.
3. petroleum.

naphtha

/ ˈnæp-; ˈnæfθə /

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. See petroleum
   an obsolete name for petroleum

naphtha

/ năf′thə /

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 Words From

• naphthous 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

It was a terrifying bombardment of rocks, palm trunks and flaming naphtha.

From The Daily Beast

It furnishes naphtha, and the stone called Gangitis,534 which drives away reptiles.

From Project Gutenberg

He's perfectly grand, and I'm going to see if he won't give me a naphtha launch.

From Project Gutenberg

The naphtha will evaporate and leave a thin coating of firmly-adhering gutta percha behind.

From Project Gutenberg

Aaron, carrying the naphtha lantern, led the way across the strip of new-plowed soil.

From Project Gutenberg

On breaking these masses, and laying open the fissures, the substance assumed the form of naphtha.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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