naphthalene
noun
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.
naphthaline,
-
a variation of
naphthalene.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It is marked 5-3/4 inside, and has a delicious scent about it, to keep off moths, I suppose; naphthaline is better.
From Victorian Short Stories: Stories of Courtship by Israel Zangwill
And O! of all tortures That torture the worst Has abated—the terrible Torture of thirst For the naphthaline river Of Passion accurst— I have drunk of a water That quenches all thirst.
From Bulchevy's Book of English Verse by Sir Arthur Thomas Quiller-Couch
But he did not know the bitter fountain of despondency whence flowed those naphthaline streams of passion.
From Julian Home by F. W. (Frederic William) Farrar
The use of naphthaline cones is not advisable in boxes containing delicate specimens, as it leaves a deposit which dulls the colors and encourages greasing.
From Directions for Collecting and Preserving Insects by C. V. Riley
In the corner, on the chimney-shelf, stands a little empty lamp, with a cracked globe; the naphthaline is exhausted, there is no one to go and buy more.
From Stories and Pictures by Isaac Loeb Peretz
