naphtha

noun

naph·​tha ˈnaf-thə 

nonstandard

ˈnap- 

1

: any of various volatile often flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixtures used chiefly as solvents and diluents

2

: petroleum

Examples of naphtha in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The machine consists of a small steam boiler, beside which another receptacle to contain naphtha is placed, located on the front portion of a low wagon, the body of which is of iron. —Mark Fischetti, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2025

The company reported that the hydrocarbons released were light cat cracked naphtha, light cat cracked distillates; intermediate cat cracked distillates; light thermal cracked naphtha; and isobutane-rich C3-C4. —Rick Hurd, The Mercury News, 6 Mar. 2025

And thanks to the refinery, Nigeria has become a net exporter of jet fuel, naphtha (a solvent used in varnishes, laundry soaps, cleaning fluids) and fuel oil, according to S&P Global. —John Hyatt, Forbes, 17 Feb. 2025

While products like linseed oil or turpentine could help achieve this, Berrie suggests that mineral oil, or naphtha, was a game-changer thanks to its effectiveness in thinning paint and quickness to evaporate. —Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 11 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek, of Iranian origin; akin to Persian neft naphtha

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

naphtha

noun

naph·​tha ˈnaf-thə  ˈnap- 

: any of various often flammable liquids prepared from coal or petroleum and used especially to dissolve substances

Medical Definition

naphtha

noun

naph·​tha ˈnaf-thə  ˈnap- 

: any of various volatile often flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixtures used chiefly as solvents and diluents