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paraffin
[ par-uh-fin ]
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.
paraffin
/ ˈpærəfɪn; ˈpærəˌfiːn /
noun
- 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
- another name for alkane
- See paraffin wax
- See liquid paraffin
verb
- to treat with paraffin or paraffin wax
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
Word History and Origins
Word History and Origins
Origin of paraffin1
Example Sentences
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.
Before getting social housing in the early 1980s the family lived in a home with no electricity, using paraffin lamps for light.
They erected partitions of wood, cardboard and cloth, built shacks within rooms and cooked on paraffin stoves.
One method involves treating porous lightweight aggregate -- the pebbles and small stone fragments that are ingredients in concrete -- with the paraffin.
Rob believes Hamish fell out of love with Allt-na-Reigh in the 1970s after rebuilding it following a fire started by a knocked over paraffin lamp.
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