Stoddard solvent

noun

Stod·​dard solvent

ˈstädə(r)d-

variants or less commonly Stoddard's solvent

: a straight-run petroleum naphtha fraction of low flammability containing principally aliphatic hydrocarbons and conforming to specifications (such as water-white color, distillation range 300° to 400° F, and flash point over 100° F) for use chiefly in dry cleaning compare petroleum spirit

Word History

Etymology

from the name Stoddard

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!