paraffin

noun

par·​af·​fin ˈper-ə-fən 

ˈpa-rə-

1

a

: a waxy crystalline flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum, or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, in rubber compounding, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

b

: any of various mixtures of similar hydrocarbons including mixtures that are semisolid or oily

2

: alkane

3

chiefly British : kerosene

paraffinic

ˌper-ə-ˈfi-nik 

pa-rə-

adjective

Examples of paraffin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The paraffin wax is an ideal diffuser for this scent, and the candle comes packaged in a luxe gift box, making a perfect present. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 31 Oct. 2024

For extremely dry skin, try incorporating a paraffin wax treatment or a foot mask like Baby Foot Original Exfoliation Foot Peel. —Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 24 Oct. 2024

When burned, candles with paraffin wax may release soot and other harmful chemicals. —Moriah Mason, Southern Living, 16 Oct. 2024

Despite a less-than-glamorous start to his career after failing all of his school exams—and his early jobs including cleaning toilets and delivering paraffin—Kurt Geiger CEO Neil Clifford always knew his career was destined for greatness. —Mahnoor Khan, Fortune, 1 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, from Latin parum too little (akin to Greek pauros little, paid-, pais child) + affinis bordering on — more at few, affinity

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

paraffin

noun

par·​af·​fin ˈpar-ə-fən 

: a flammable waxy substance obtained from wood, coal, or petroleum and used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, and in drugs and cosmetics

Medical Definition

paraffin

noun

par·​af·​fin ˈpar-ə-fən 

1

a

: a waxy crystalline flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum, or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, in rubber compounding, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

b

: any of various mixtures of similar hydrocarbons including mixtures that are semisolid or oily

2

: alkane

paraffinic

ˌpar-ə-ˈfin-ik 

adjective