paraffin

[par-uh-fin]

noun

1. 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.

2. Chemistry.

   1. any member of the alkane series.

   2. 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.

3. Also called paraffin oil. British.,  kerosene.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or impregnate with paraffin.

paraffin

/ ˈpærəfɪn, ˈpærəˌfiːn /

noun

1. Also called: paraffin oil.  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

2. another name for alkane

3. See paraffin wax

4. See liquid paraffin

verb

1. to treat with paraffin or paraffin wax

paraffin

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

2. Also called paraffin wax

3. See alkane

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraffin¹

1830–40; < German < Latin par ( um ) barely + aff ( īnis ) connected + -in ²; so called from its slight affinity for other substances; affinity

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraffin¹

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

Example Sentences

The young woman now relies on the sale of medical face masks to support her family - which even on a good day only brings in enough money to buy maize meal and paraffin.

From BBC

The teenager worked in roofing but moved on to street trading, which included selling paraffin off the back of a lorry.

From BBC

In the evenings, she uses candles and paraffin lamps for light and keeps herself entertained with her battery-powered radio and her library of books.

From BBC

Instead, they lit a paraffin lamp in the room near him as a beacon, in case his spirit wished to return to his body.

From BBC

Permanent fillers like silicone or paraffin have been used but are not recommended, as they have been associated with long-term complications like necrosis and deformities.

From Salon