ozokerite

noun

ozo·​ke·​rite ˌō-zō-ˈkir-ˌīt 

variants or less commonly ozocerite

ˌō-zō-ˈsir-ˌīt 

: a waxy mineral mixture of hydrocarbons that is colorless or white when pure and often of unpleasant odor and is used especially in making candles and in electrotyping

Word History

Etymology

German Ozokerit, from Greek ozein to smell + kēros wax — more at cerumen

First Known Use

1834, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

ozokerite

noun

ozo·​ke·​rite ˌō-zō-ˈki(ə)r-ˌīt 

variants also ozocerite

-ˈsi(ə)r- 

: a waxy mineral mixture of hydrocarbons that is colorless or white when pure and often of unpleasant odor and is used especially in making ceresin