paraffin

American  

[par-uh-fin] / ˈpær ə fɪn /

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.

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verb (used with object)

1. to cover or impregnate with paraffin.

paraffin British  

/ 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

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verb

1. to treat with paraffin or paraffin wax

paraffin Scientific  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of paraffin

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

Example Sentences

Preserved in formaldehyde and paraffin wax, they come from patients treated at the UK's national bowel hospital, St Mark's, in northwest London.

From Barron's • Feb. 4, 2026

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 • Oct. 26, 2024

Before getting social housing in the early 1980s the family lived in a home with no electricity, using paraffin lamps for light.

From BBC • Oct. 12, 2024

They also noted that the porosity of the aggregate likely contributes to the paraffin remaining a liquid below its usual freezing temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Science Daily • Mar. 18, 2024

In order to pick up her path she was walking directly toward the house, toward the terrace where a paraffin globe lamp shone among glasses, bottles, and an ice bucket.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan