paraffin Hear it!

paraffin definition

par·af·fin (par′ə fin)

noun

  1. 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.
  2. Chem. any alkane
  3. Brit. kerosene

Etymology: Ger < L parum, too little + affinis, akin (see affinity): from its chemical inertness

transitive verb

to coat or impregnate with paraffin

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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