paraffin

noun

par·​af·​fin ˈper-ə-fən 

ˈpa-rə-

1

a

: a waxy crystalline flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum, or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, in rubber compounding, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

b

: any of various mixtures of similar hydrocarbons including mixtures that are semisolid or oily

2

: alkane

3

chiefly British : kerosene

paraffinic

ˌper-ə-ˈfi-nik 

pa-rə-

adjective

Examples of paraffin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Candles have been made from a variety of waxes, but most modern candles are made of paraffin, a wax created as a byproduct of petroleum refinement. —Wkrc Staff, Baltimore Sun, 1 Dec. 2024

The candles of chief concern are those made from paraffin, which is a cheap byproduct primarily sourced from the refinement of petroleum. —Kristen Rogers, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

They are made of paraffin wax, which easily melts and morphs. —Nicole Letts, Southern Living, 26 Nov. 2024

Arslanian says paraffin wax has the longest shelf life—when stored properly. —Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 24 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

German, from Latin parum too little (akin to Greek pauros little, paid-, pais child) + affinis bordering on — more at few, affinity

First Known Use

1835, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

paraffin

noun

par·​af·​fin ˈpar-ə-fən 

: a flammable waxy substance obtained from wood, coal, or petroleum and used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, and in drugs and cosmetics

Medical Definition

paraffin

noun

par·​af·​fin ˈpar-ə-fən 

1

a

: a waxy crystalline flammable substance obtained especially from distillates of wood, coal, petroleum, or shale oil that is a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and is used chiefly in coating and sealing, in candles, in rubber compounding, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics

b

: any of various mixtures of similar hydrocarbons including mixtures that are semisolid or oily

2

: alkane

paraffinic

ˌpar-ə-ˈfin-ik 

adjective