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
Word origin
C16: via Latin from Greek, of Iranian origin; related to Persian neft naphtha
naphtha in American English
(ˈnæfθə; ˈnæpθə)
noun
1.
a flammable, volatile, oily liquid produced by the fractional distillation of petroleum: it is the fraction that boils between gasoline and kerosene and is used as a fuel, solvent, and illuminant
2.
petroleum
3.
any of several flammable, volatile liquids produced by the distillation of coal tar,wood, coal, and other carbonaceous materials
Word origin
L < Gr naphtha, naphtha, bitumen < Pers neft, pitch < ? IE base *nebh-, damp, water > Gr nephelē, cloud, fog
naphtha in American English
(ˈnæfθə, ˈnæp-)
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
Derived forms
naphthous
adjective
Word origin
[1565–75; ‹ L ‹ Gk náphthas, perh. ‹ Iranian *nafta, deriv. of *nab- to be damp; cf. Avestan napta- damp, Persian naft naphtha]