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Mothball

//ˈmɒθbɔːl// noun, verb

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A small ball of chemical pesticide (originally camphor and now typically naphthalene or paradichlorobenzene) and deodorant placed in or around clothing and other articles to deter moth larvae which may damage them. in-plural

    "There were two carloads of equipments. Upon their return to the armory the blankets were shook and repacked with mothballs; […]"

  2. 2
    a small sphere of camphor or naphthalene used to keep moths away from stored clothing wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To store (clothing, etc.) with mothballs (noun noun sense 1). transitive
  2. 2
    put into long-term storage wordnet
  3. 3
    To stop using (something), and often to put it in storage; specifically, while keeping it in good condition so it can be used in the future. figuratively, transitive

    "They mothballed the old version after the new one came out."

  4. 4
    To stop work on (a plan, project, etc.) for the time being; to postpone, to shelve. figuratively, transitive

    "The fact that the START Treaty has just been signed is reason enough not to build one rail garrison train before mothballing the project."

Etymology

Etymology 1

The noun is derived from moth + ball. The verb is derived from the noun.

Etymology 2

The noun is derived from moth + ball. The verb is derived from the noun.

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