or naphthaline (ˈnæfθəˌliːn, ˈnæp-) or naphthalin (ˈnæfθəlɪn, 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: C10H8
Derived forms
naphthalic (næfˈθælɪk, næp-)
adjective
Word origin
C19: from naphtha + alcohol + -ene
naphthalene in American English
(ˈnæfθəˌlin; ˈnæpθəˌlin)
noun
a white, crystalline, aromatic hydrocarbon, C10H8, produced in the fractional distillation of coal tar: it is used in moth repellents and in the manufacture of certain dyes and other organic compounds