naphthene

[naf-theen, nap-] /ˈnæf θin, ˈnæp-/
noun, Chemistry
1.
any of a group of hydrocarbon ring compounds of the general formula, C n H 2n , derivatives of cyclopentane and cyclohexane, found in certain petroleums.
Origin
1840-50; naphth- + -ene
Related forms
naphthenic
[naf-thee-nik, -then-ik, nap-] /næfˈθi nɪk, -ˈθɛn ɪk, næp-/ (Show IPA),
adjective
Examples from the web for naphthene
  • The time required for division was significantly increased in ace- naphthene-treated cells.
  • The fractional distillation of crude oils produces either paraffine or naphthene.
  • In sewer systems the presence of oils and immiscible liquids, such as naphthene and ether, may cause explosive conditions.
British Dictionary definitions for naphthene

naphthene

/ˈnæfθiːn; ˈnæp-/
noun
1.
any of a class of cycloalkanes, mainly derivatives of cyclopentane, found in petroleum
Word Origin
C20: from naphtha + -ene
naphthene in Science
naphthene
  (nāf'thēn', nāp'-)   
See cycloalkane.