Etymology
The word "mothball" is a combination of two words:
Meaning
A mothball is a small, round ball filled with a chemical insecticide, typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene (PDB), used to repel or kill moths and other insects that infest clothing and other fabrics.
Origin
The origin of the term "mothball" is unclear, but it is believed to have come into use in the mid-19th century.
Prior to the invention of chemical insecticides, people used various substances to repel moths, including cedar shavings, lavender, and tobacco. However, these methods were not always effective.
In the mid-19th century, a scientist named Adolf von Baeyer discovered naphthalene, a chemical compound that was effective in killing moths. Naphthalene was initially sold as a powder, but it was soon discovered that it could be formed into balls for easier use.
These naphthalene balls became known as "mothballs," and they quickly became a popular way to protect fabrics from moths.
Today, mothballs are still used for their intended purpose, but they have also been found to have other applications, such as deodorizing closets and repelling insects in gardens.
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