First Known Use: 1838
Dictionary
paraffin
noun par·af·fin \ˈper-ə-fən, ˈpa-rə-\
: a soft, waxy substance that is usually made from petroleum or coal and is used in candles and other products
Full Definition of PARAFFIN
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
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Origin of PARAFFIN
PARAFFIN Defined for Kids
paraffin
noun par·af·fin \ˈper-ə-fən\
Definition of PARAFFIN for Kids
: a white waxy substance obtained from wood, coal, or petroleum and used in coating and sealing and in candles
Medical Dictionary
paraffin
noun par·af·fin \ˈpar-ə-fən\
Medical Definition of PARAFFIN
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
—par·af·fin·ic \ˌpar-ə-ˈfin-ik\ adjective
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