MOTHBALL Meaning and
Definition
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A mothball is a small, round sphere typically composed of naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene, used to protect clothing and other fabric items from being damaged or destroyed by moths. It is commonly utilized as a method of moth control by placing the mothballs in storage containers or closets with susceptible items. The strong, distinctive odor emitted by mothballs is known to repel moths, preventing them from laying eggs and causing damage.
Mothballs work by slowly releasing the chemical vapor into the air, forming a protective barrier that deters moths and other insects. This vapor is toxic to moths and larvae, interrupting their life cycle and effectively controlling infestations. However, the strong odor produced by the mothballs is often considered unpleasant by humans and requires adequate ventilation in enclosed spaces.
In addition to their use for moth control, mothballs also find application in preventing the infestation and damage caused by other pests, such as rodents and snakes. The distinctive smell of mothballs is known to repel these animals, discouraging them from entering certain areas.
Despite their effectiveness as a pest deterrent, mothballs should be handled with care and stored out of reach of children and pets. Direct contact or ingestion of mothballs can result in adverse health effects, including irritation, respiratory problems, or even poisoning. Therefore, it is crucial to follow the instructions provided by manufacturers and dispose of mothballs properly.
Common Misspellings for MOTHBALL
Etymology of MOTHBALL
The word "mothball" has a relatively straightforward etymology. It is derived from the combination of two words - "moth" and "ball".
The term "moth" dates back to Old English, where it was spelled "moððe" or "moða". It ultimately has Germanic origins, and its root is related to the Old High German word "mado" meaning "moth". The word "moth" refers to a group of insects known for fluttering around light sources during the night and often causing damage to fabrics.
The word "ball" has a separate origin, coming from Old English "beall" or "bæll", which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic. Over time, it evolved to refer to a spherical or rounded object.
The word "mothball", combining "moth" and "ball", is first recorded in the mid-19th century.
Similar spelling words for MOTHBALL
Conjugate verb Mothball
CONDITIONAL
I
would mothball
you
would mothball
he/she/it
would mothball
we
would mothball
they
would mothball
CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS
I
would be mothballing
you
would be mothballing
he/she/it
would be mothballing
we
would be mothballing
they
would be mothballing
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have mothball
you
would have mothball
he/she/it
would have mothball
we
would have mothball
they
would have mothball
CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
would have been mothballing
you
would have been mothballing
he/she/it
would have been mothballing
we
would have been mothballing
they
would have been mothballing
FUTURE
I
will mothball
you
will mothball
he/she/it
will mothball
we
will mothball
they
will mothball
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be mothballing
you
will be mothballing
he/she/it
will be mothballing
we
will be mothballing
they
will be mothballing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have mothballed
you
will have mothballed
he/she/it
will have mothballed
we
will have mothballed
they
will have mothballed
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been mothballing
you
will have been mothballing
he/she/it
will have been mothballing
we
will have been mothballing
they
will have been mothballing
IMPERATIVE
you
mothball
we
let´s mothball
to mothball
PAST
I
mothballed
you
mothballed
he/she/it
mothballed
we
mothballed
they
mothballed
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was mothballing
you
were mothballing
he/she/it
was mothballing
we
were mothballing
they
were mothballing
PAST PARTICIPLE
mothballed
PAST PERFECT
I
had mothballed
you
had mothballed
he/she/it
had mothballed
we
had mothballed
they
had mothballed
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been mothballing
you
had been mothballing
he/she/it
had been mothballing
we
had been mothballing
they
had been mothballing
PRESENT
I
mothball
you
mothball
he/she/it
mothballs
we
mothball
they
mothball
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am mothballing
you
are mothballing
he/she/it
is mothballing
we
are mothballing
they
are mothballing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
mothballing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have mothballed
you
have mothballed
he/she/it
has mothballed
we
have mothballed
they
have mothballed
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been mothballing
you
have been mothballing
he/she/it
has been mothballing
we
have been mothballing
they
have been mothballing
I
would have mothballed
we
would have mothballed
you
would have mothballed
he/she/it
would have mothballed
they
would have mothballed
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