paraffin

[ par-uh-fin ]

/ ˈpær ə fɪn /

Save This Word!

noun

a white or colorless, tasteless, odorless, water-insoluble, solid substance not easily acted upon by reagents, consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons chiefly of the alkane series, obtained from crude petroleum: used in candles, for forming preservative coatings and seals, for waterproofing paper, etc.

Chemistry.

any member of the alkane series.
one of the higher members of the alkane series, solid at ordinary temperatures, having a boiling point above 300°C, which largely constitutes the commercial form of this substance.

Also called paraffin oil .British. kerosene.

verb (used with object)

to cover or impregnate with paraffin.

QUIZ

WILL YOU SAIL OR STUMBLE ON THESE GRAMMAR QUESTIONS?

Smoothly step over to these common grammar mistakes that trip many people up. Good luck!

Question 1 of 7

Fill in the blank: I can’t figure out _____ gave me this gift.

who

whom

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of paraffin

1830–40; <German <Latin par(um) barely + aff(īnis) connected + -in²; so called from its slight affinity for other substances; see affinity

Words nearby paraffin

paradoxically, paradoxical sleep, paradrop, paraesthesia, par. aff., paraffin, paraffine, paraffinic, paraffinize, paraffinoid, paraffin series

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use paraffin in a sentence

The new process designed by the researchers uses a catalyst to add extra carbon to the VFA molecules, converting them into paraffin that is essentially identical to that found in standard jet fuel.
Scientists Figured Out How to Turn Food Waste Into Jet Fuel|Edd Gent|March 22, 2021|Singularity Hub
They are grayish or colorless, and have a dull waxy look, as if cut from paraffin (Figs. 43 and 61).
A Manual of Clinical Diagnosis|James Campbell Todd
Melt some wax or paraffin in a suitable vessel and cover the surface of the wood, using a brush or rag.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
Place over the first layer two layers of paraffin paper and wind on a second layer of wire.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various

Outside of the completed secondary winding place at least six layers of paraffin paper, or several layers of insulating cloth.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various
Wind about 240 turns on each layer and place one layer of paraffin paper between each layer of wire.
The Boy Mechanic, Book 2|Various

British Dictionary definitions for paraffin

paraffin

less commonly paraffine (ˈpærəˌfiːn)

/ (ˈpærəfɪn) /

noun

Also called: paraffin oil, (esp US and Canadian) kerosene a liquid mixture consisting mainly of alkane hydrocarbons with boiling points in the range 150°–300°C, used as an aircraft fuel, in domestic heaters, and as a solvent

another name for alkane

See paraffin wax

See liquid paraffin

verb (tr)

to treat with paraffin or paraffin wax

Word Origin for paraffin

C19: from German, from Latin parum too little + affinis adjacent; so called from its chemical inertia

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for paraffin

paraffin

[ păr′ə-fĭn ]

A waxy, white or colorless solid mixture of hydrocarbons made from petroleum and used to make candles, wax paper, lubricants, and waterproof coatings. Also called paraffin wax

See alkane.