noun
paraffin
PAIR-uh-fin/ˈpærəfɪn/
A waxy substance obtained from petroleum.
The candle is made from white paraffin.
Etymology
The name combines “little” with “associated with,” suggesting little chemical affinity. It refers to paraffin’s unreactive nature rather than its waxy appearance or petroleum origin.
In context
To strengthen their structure, each stick is dipped into paraffin, [music] a type of wax that ignites easily yet remains highly stable.
More examples
- A thin layer of paraffin coats the paper.
- The factory melts paraffin before pouring it into molds.
- She examines a block of solid paraffin under the light.
Forms
paraffin · paraffins