naphtha

[ naf-thuh, nap- ]

noun

1. a colorless, volatile petroleum distillate, usually an intermediate product between gasoline and benzine, used as a solvent, fuel, etc. Compare mineral spirits.
2. any of various similar liquids distilled from other products.
3. petroleum.

naphtha

/ ˈnæfθə; ˈnæp- /

noun

1. a distillation product from coal tar boiling in the approximate range 80–170°C and containing aromatic hydrocarbons
2. a distillation product from petroleum boiling in the approximate range 100–200°C and containing aliphatic hydrocarbons: used as a solvent and in petrol
3. an obsolete name for petroleum

naphtha

/ năf′thə /

1. 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.

Other Words From

• naphthous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of naphtha¹

1565–75; < Latin < Greek náphthas, perhaps < Iranian *nafta, derivative of *nab- to be damp; compare Avestan napta- damp, Persian naft naphtha

Word History and Origins

Origin of naphtha¹

C16: via Latin from Greek, of Iranian origin; related to Persian neft naphtha

Example Sentences

It posted images showing the blaze still raging Saturday, likely fueled by the naphtha on board.

From Seattle Times

The oil can replace fossil ingredients like naphtha and gases to manufacture ethylene and propylene.

From Science Daily

The fire damaged two giant storage tanks for naphtha, a component in the production of gasoline and jet fuels.

From Seattle Times

According to the company, a storage tank at the facility released naphtha — a partially refined product used as feed stock to make gasoline — and a fire ignited shortly before 7 a.m.

From Seattle Times

"We are seeing a shift towards higher middle distillates yields like jet fuel and gasoil ... also seeing rebalancing of naphtha and gasoline into petrochemicals feedstocks."

From Reuters

Related Words

• crude oil
• fossil fuel
• fuel
• gas
• gasoline
• kerosene
• natural gas
• petrol