naphthene

[ naf-theen, nap- ]

nounChemistry.

any of a group of hydrocarbon ring compounds of the general formula, CnH2n, derivatives of cyclopentane and cyclohexane, found in certain petroleums.

Origin of naphthene

First recorded in 1840–50; naphth- + -ene

Other words from naphthene

naph·the·nic [naf-thee-nik, -then-ik, nap-], /næfˈθi nɪk, -ˈθɛn ɪk, næp-/, adjective

Words Nearby naphthene

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British Dictionary definitions for naphthene

naphthene

/ (ˈnæfθiːn, ˈnæp-) /

noun

any of a class of cycloalkanes, mainly derivatives of cyclopentane, found in petroleum

Origin of naphthene

C20: from naphtha + -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

Scientific definitions for naphthene

naphthene

[ năf′thēn′, năp′- ]

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