1. A white, volatile, monoclinic or platelike solid having a strong coal-tar odor; insoluble in water and soluble in alcohol, ether, and benzene. 2. A white, crystalline, water-insoluble hydrocarbon, usually obtained from coal tar.

Used in making dyes; such as, a moth repellent (mothballs), plastics, dyes, solvents, antiseptics, and insecticides.