paraffin

par·af·fin

noun \ˈper-ə-fən, ˈpa-rə-\

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

3

chiefly British : kerosene

— par·af·fin·ic \ˌper-ə-ˈfi-nik, pa-rə-\ adjective

Origin of PARAFFIN

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

First Known Use: 1838