naphtha
[ naf-thuh, nap- ]
/ ˈnæf θə, ˈnæp- /
noun
a colorless, volatile petroleum distillate, usually an intermediate product between gasoline and benzine, used as a solvent, fuel, etc.
Compare mineral spirits.
any of various similar liquids distilled from other products.
Origin of naphtha
1565–75; < Latin < Greek
náphthas, perhaps < Iranian
*nafta, derivative of
*nab- to be damp; compare Avestan
napta- damp, Persian
naft naphtha
OTHER WORDS FROM naphtha
naph·thous, adjectiveWords nearby naphtha
naperville,
napery,
naphtali,
naphtalite,
naphth-,
naphtha,
naphthacene,
naphthalene,
naphthalize,
naphthene,
naphthol
Example sentences from the Web for naphtha
British Dictionary definitions for naphtha
naphtha
/ (ˈnæfθə, ˈnæp-) /
noun
a distillation product from coal tar boiling in the approximate range 80–170°C and containing aromatic hydrocarbons
a distillation product from petroleum boiling in the approximate range 100–200°C and containing aliphatic hydrocarbons: used as a solvent and in petrol
an obsolete name for petroleum
Word Origin for naphtha
C16: via Latin from Greek, of Iranian origin; related to Persian
neft naphtha
Medical definitions for naphtha
naphtha
[ năf′thə, năp′- ]
n.
Any of several highly volatile, flammable liquid mixtures of hydrocarbons distilled from petroleum, coal tar, or natural gas and used as solvents and in making various chemicals.
Scientific definitions for naphtha
naphtha
[ năf′thə ]
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.