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

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