The spelling of the word "more mothballed" is fairly straightforward. "More" is pronounced as /mɔːr/ with the long "o" sound, and "mothballed" is pronounced as /ˈmɒθbɔːld/ with the stress on the second syllable. The word "mothballed" is often used to describe something that has been put away or stored for a long time and is no longer used. It can also refer to military equipment that is kept in reserve but is not active or in use.
The term "more mothballed" is a compound expression derived from the word "mothball." As a verb, "mothball" means to store or put aside something for an extended period, intending to use or preserve it later. It typically refers to the practice of carefully storing clothing or other items by using mothballs to deter insect damage. Mothballs are small solid balls containing chemicals, such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, that release vapor and act as insect repellents.
"More mothballed" operates as a comparative phrase, indicating an increased degree of mothballing. In this context, it suggests that more items or a higher quantity of things are being put into storage or kept aside for future use, preservation, or safekeeping. The emphasis is on a larger or additional set of objects being subjected to the process of mothballing.
This expression can also be metaphorically applied beyond the literal meaning of physical storage. It may refer to policies or plans that are temporarily set aside, inactive, or unused but still retained for potential future implementation. The phrase implies that a greater number of ideas, projects, or initiatives are being put on hold or reserved, often due to various reasons such as cost-cutting measures, changing circumstances, or lack of demand.
To summarize, "more mothballed" describes an augmented level of objects, plans, or initiatives being put into extended, inactive storage, whether literally or metaphorically.
The word "mothballed" is derived from the noun "mothball". "Mothball" is a compound word composed of "moth" and "ball". It originates from the practice of protecting clothing and fabrics from damage by moths. Mothballs are small balls or disks made of materials such as naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, which have a strong scent that repels moths. When clothes or fabrics are stored with mothballs, it prevents moths from causing damage. Over time, the term "mothball" has been figuratively used to describe the act of storing something in a preserved or inactive state, often to protect it for future use. Therefore, the phrase "more mothballed" implies that something is being stored or kept inactive to a greater extent.