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.
Also naph·tha·line, naph·tha·lin [naf-thuh-lin, nap-] /ˈnæf θə lɪn, ˈnæp-/.
Also called tar camphor.

Origin of naphthalene

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

OTHER WORDS FROM naphthalene

naph·thal·ic [naf-thal-ik, nap-] /næfˈθæl ɪk, næp-/, naph·tha·len·ic [naf-thuh-len-ik, nap-] /ˌnæf θəˈlɛn ɪk, ˌnæp-/, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for naphthalene

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 of naphthalene

naphthalic (næfˈθælɪk, næp-), adjective

Word Origin for naphthalene

C19: from naphtha + alcohol + -ene

Medical definitions for naphthalene

naphthalene

n.

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

Other words from naphthalene

naph′tha•lenic (-lĕnĭk) adj.

Scientific definitions for naphthalene

naphthalene
[ năfthə-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.