paraffin wax

noun

1. paraffin in its solid state.

paraffin wax

noun

1. a white insoluble odourless waxlike solid consisting mainly of alkane hydrocarbons with melting points in the range 50°–60°C, used in candles, waterproof paper, and as a sealing agent Also calledparaffin

paraffin wax

1. See paraffin

Word History and Origins

Origin of paraffin wax¹

First recorded in 1870–75

Example Sentences

The New Castle Fire Department said that at least some of the cars that derailed contained paraffin wax, which is used to make candles, and soybeans.

From Seattle Times

The new design uses small paraffin wax pads infused with scents that are heated by an electrode to release an odor.

From Scientific American

The crew was then told to continue, but after seven miles the bearing failed and the train derailed, spilling molten paraffin wax.

From Washington Post

The FRA said that molten paraffin wax spilled and that the derailment caused widespread power outages.

From Washington Post

Four miles later, the train derailed while traveling about 30 miles per hour and dumped thousands of gallons of molten paraffin wax in the city of Sandusky.

From Salon