naphthalene

American  

[naf-thuh-leen, nap-] / ˈnæf θəˌlin, ˈnæp- /

Also naphthaline,

noun

Chemistry.

1. a white, crystalline, water-insoluble hydrocarbon, C 1 0 H 8 , usually obtained from coal tar: used in making dyes, as a moth repellant, etc.

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naphthalene British  

/ ˈnæp-, ˈnæfθəˌliːn, ˈnæfθəlɪn, ˈnæp-, næp-, næfˈθælɪk /

noun

1. 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

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naphthalene Scientific  

/ năf′thə-lēn′ /

1. 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: C ₁₀ H ₈ .

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Other Word Forms

• naphthalenic adjective
• naphthalic adjective

Etymology

Origin of naphthalene

First recorded in 1865–70; naphth- + -al ³ + -ene

Example Sentences

It said those samples showed elevated levels of the hazardous chemicals benzene and naphthalene.

From Seattle Times

Our test results indicated that all the 52 children we tested had high levels in their urine of metabolised naphthalene, a possible carcinogen.

From BBC

After further investigation, they realized they hadn’t even administered naphthalene at all, but rather a then-obscure drug called acetanilide, which the pharmacist had given them by mistake.

From New York Times

The agency noted Tesla’s use of toxic chemicals in its paint shop — formaldehyde, ethylbenzene, naphthalene, and xylene, “known or suspected to cause cancer or other serious side effects.”

From Los Angeles Times

The National Center for Biotechnology Information said naphthalene is obtained from coal tar or petroleum distillation and is used in the manufacturing of plastics and in moth repellents.

From Washington Times