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

While there are some byproducts available elsewhere, the Middle East oilfields are the top source for naphtha and there is no substitute for that. —Kevin Williams, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026

And almost half of Asia’s naphtha supplies flow through the Strait of Hormuz, Fitterling noted. —Jordan Blum, Fortune, 27 Mar. 2026

For example, most of Asia’s naphtha – a chemical used in paints and cleaners comes – through the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Independent Commodity Intelligence Services. —David Goldman, CNN Money, 17 Mar. 2026

Much of Venezuela’s oil is ultra-heavy crude, requiring special treatment and naphtha blending to be transported. —Frank Holmes, Forbes.com, 12 Jan. 2026

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