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
adjective pa-rə-
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Now, Red Market Salon is offering complimentary paraffin wax treatments for hands or feet in July. 
Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 July 2022 Mineral oil is a derivative of petroleum, and can also be referred to as paraffin oil. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Apr. 2022 However, although it is recommended as a natural remedy, Tiger Balm does contain petroleum and paraffin. Kristin Scharkey, Sunset Magazine, 2 Mar. 2022 Drip a thick layer of warm, inexpensive paraffin wax (essentially candle wax) over the bottom of your skis. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2014 Melt chocolate and paraffin in a small double boiler or use a coffee mug in a pan of boiling water. Dahlia Ghabour, The Courier-Journal, 11 Feb. 2022 The wax is a blend of soy, bee and rapeseed, all of which is 100 percent natural and paraffin-free. Bridget Arsenault, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021 And in recent lab runs, HPU produced 99% pure, diesel-like paraffin oil from polyethylene with a yield above 90%. Robert Rapier, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2021 The premium-grade paraffin wax candle even comes in an autumn hue itself. Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2021 See More
Nadja Sayej, Forbes, 11 July 2022 Mineral oil is a derivative of petroleum, and can also be referred to as paraffin oil. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 6 Apr. 2022 However, although it is recommended as a natural remedy, Tiger Balm does contain petroleum and paraffin. Kristin Scharkey, Sunset Magazine, 2 Mar. 2022 Drip a thick layer of warm, inexpensive paraffin wax (essentially candle wax) over the bottom of your skis. Joe Jackson, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2014 Melt chocolate and paraffin in a small double boiler or use a coffee mug in a pan of boiling water. Dahlia Ghabour, The Courier-Journal, 11 Feb. 2022 The wax is a blend of soy, bee and rapeseed, all of which is 100 percent natural and paraffin-free. Bridget Arsenault, Forbes, 26 Dec. 2021 And in recent lab runs, HPU produced 99% pure, diesel-like paraffin oil from polyethylene with a yield above 90%. Robert Rapier, Forbes, 10 Oct. 2021 The premium-grade paraffin wax candle even comes in an autumn hue itself. Lois Alter Mark, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2021 See More 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 ˈper-ə-fən
: a white waxy substance obtained from wood, coal, or petroleum and used in coating and sealing and in candles
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