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paraffin
(par′ə fin)
noun
- a white, waxy, odorless, tasteless solid substance consisting of a mixture of straight-chain, saturated hydrocarbons: it is obtained chiefly from the distillation of petroleum and is used for making candles, sealing preserving jars, waterproofing paper, etc.
- Chem. any alkane
- Brit. kerosene
Origin: Ger < L parum, too little + affinis, akin (see affinity): from its chemical inertness
transitive verb
to coat or impregnate with paraffin
Related Forms:
- paraffinic adjective
See paraffin in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A waxy white or colorless solid hydrocarbon mixture used to make candles, wax paper, lubricants, and sealing materials. Also called paraffin wax.
- Chemistry A member of the alkane series.
- Chiefly British Kerosene.
To saturate, impregnate, or coat with paraffin.
Origin:
Origin: German
Origin: : Latin parum, little, not very; see pau-1 in Indo-European roots
Origin: + Latin affīnis, associated with (from its lack of affinity with other materials); see affined
.Related Forms:
- parˌaf·finˈic adjective
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