naphthalene

[ naf-thuh-leen, nap- ]

/ ˈnæf θəˌlin, ˈnæp- /

noun Chemistry.

a white, crystalline, water-insoluble hydrocarbon, C10H8, usually obtained from coal tar: used in making dyes, as a moth repellant, etc.

Nearby words

naphtali, naphtalite, naphth-, naphtha, naphthacene, naphthalene, naphthalize, naphthene, naphthol, naphthol yellow s, naphthyl

Also naph·tha·line, naph·tha·lin

[naf-thuh-lin, nap-] /ˈnæf θə lɪn, ˈnæp-/.

Origin of naphthalene

First recorded in 1865–70; naphth- + -al³ + -ene

Also called tar camphor.

Related forms

naph·thal·ic

[naf-thal-ik, nap-] /næfˈθæl ɪk, næp-/, naph·tha·len·ic

[naf-thuh-len-ik, nap-] /ˌnæf θəˈlɛn ɪk, ˌnæp-/, adjective

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

Examples from the Web for naphthalene

If four atoms of chlorine enter the naphthalene molecule the product is a hard wax that rings like a metal.
Creative Chemistry|Edwin E. Slosson
He found that by acting on naphthalene—the moth-ball stuff—with chlorine he got a series of useful products called "halowaxes."
Creative Chemistry|Edwin E. Slosson
From this last statement it will be inferred that naphthalene is now a source of colouring-matters.
Coal|Raphael Meldola
The important constituents of this portion are carbolic acid and naphthalene.
Coal|Raphael Meldola

The same thing applies to quinoline as compared to naphthalene.
Scientific American Supplement, No. 415, December 15, 1883|Various

British Dictionary definitions for naphthalene

naphthalene

naphthaline naphthalin (ˈnæfθəlɪn, ˈnæp-)

/ (ˈnæfθəˌliːn, ˈnæp-) /

noun

a white crystalline volatile solid with a characteristic penetrating odour: an aromatic hydrocarbon used in mothballs and in the manufacture of dyes, explosives, etc. Formula: C 10 H 8

Derived Forms

naphthalic (næfˈθælɪk, næp-), adjective

Word Origin for naphthalene

C19: from naphtha + alcohol + -ene

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 naphthalene

naphthalene

n.

A toxic carcinogenic hydrocarbon derived from coal tar or petroleum and used as a solvent.

Related forms

naph′tha•len′ic (-lĕn′ĭk) adj.

Science definitions for naphthalene

naphthalene

[ năf′thə-lēn′ ]

A white crystalline compound made from coal tar or petroleum and used to make dyes, mothballs, explosives, and solvents. Naphthalene consists of two benzene rings fused together. Chemical formula: C10H8.