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 paraffin oil. British. kerosene.

verb (used with object)

1. to cover or impregnate with paraffin.

paraffin

/ ˈpærəfɪn; ˈpærəˌfiːn /

noun

1. Also calledparaffin oilesp US and Canadiankerosene 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

/ păr′ə-fĭn /

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 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.

From Singularity Hub 

They are grayish or colorless, and have a dull waxy look, as if cut from paraffin (Figs. 43 and 61).

From Project Gutenberg

Melt some wax or paraffin in a suitable vessel and cover the surface of the wood, using a brush or rag.

From Project Gutenberg

Place over the first layer two layers of paraffin paper and wind on a second layer of wire.

From Project Gutenberg

Outside of the completed secondary winding place at least six layers of paraffin paper, or several layers of insulating cloth.

From Project Gutenberg

Wind about 240 turns on each layer and place one layer of paraffin paper between each layer of wire.

From Project Gutenberg