noun
naphtha
NAF-thuh/ˈnæfθə/
A volatile liquid mixture obtained from petroleum.
The refill can supplies naphtha for use as a solvent and lighter fuel.
Etymology
Greek naphtha referred to a fluid, volatile variety of natural bitumen. The modern meaning narrows this petroleum connection to a flammable liquid obtained by distillation.
In context
woods before finishing mineral spirits will do some of these same things but it may be leave behind an undesirable oily film however because mineral spirits evaporate more slowly than naphtha
More examples
- Liquid naphtha evaporates quickly when exposed to air.
- This cleaner contains naphtha to dissolve grease.
- The plant turns naphtha into ingredients for making plastics.
Forms
naphtha
Similar words
- petroleum ether
- A narrower, low-boiling petroleum mixture used primarily as a solvent.