wax

¹wax

noun \ˈwaks\

Definition of WAX

1

: a substance that is secreted by bees and is used by them for constructing the honeycomb, that is a dull yellow solid plastic when warm, and that is composed of a mixture of esters, cerotic acid, and hydrocarbons —called also beeswax

2

: any of various substances resembling the wax of bees: as

a : any of numerous substances of plant or animal origin that differ from fats in being less greasy, harder, and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high molecular weight (as fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons)

b : a solid substance (as ozokerite or paraffin wax) of mineral origin consisting usually of hydrocarbons of high molecular weight

c : a pliable or liquid composition used especially in uniting surfaces, excluding air, making patterns or impressions, or producing a polished surface

3

: something likened to wax as soft, impressionable, or readily molded

4

: a waxy secretion; especially : earwax

5

: a phonograph recording

— wax·like \ˈwaks-ˌlīk\ adjective

Origin of WAX

Middle English, from Old English weax; akin to Old High German wahs wax, Lithuanian vaškas

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Animal Husbandry Terms

apiary, bantam, calico, girth, hogwash, mast, rut

Rhymes with WAX

ax, fax, flax, lax, max, pax, rax, sax, Sfax, tax

²wax

transitive verb

Definition of WAX

1

a : to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing, stiffening, or reducing friction

b : to apply wax to (as legs) as a depilatory

2

: to record on phonograph records

3

slang : to defeat decisively (as in an athletic contest)

First Known Use of WAX

14th century

Other Audio Recording Terms

baffle, dub, fidelity, transcription, treble

³wax

intransitive verb

Definition of WAX

1

a : to increase in size, numbers, strength, prosperity, or intensity

b : to grow in volume or duration

c : to grow toward full development

2

: to increase in phase or intensity —used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets

3

: to assume a (specified) characteristic, quality, or state : become <wax indignant> <wax poetic>

Origin of WAX

Middle English, from Old English weaxan; akin to Old High German wahsan to increase, Greek auxanein, Latin augēre — more at eke

First Known Use: before 12th century

Other Astronomy Terms

gibbous, nadir, nebulous, penumbra, retrograde, sidereal, syzygy, wane, zenith

⁴wax

noun

Definition of WAX

: increase, growth —usually used in the phrase on the wax

First Known Use of WAX

14th century

⁵wax

noun

Definition of WAX

: a fit of temper : rage

Origin of WAX

perhaps from ³wax

First Known Use: 1854

wax

noun \ˈwaks\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of WAX

1

: a substance that is secreted by bees and is used by them for constructing the honeycomb, that is a dull yellow solid plastic when warm, and that is composed of a mixture of esters, cerotic acid, and hydrocarbons—called also beeswax

2

: any of various substances resembling beeswax: as a : any of numerous substances of plant or animal origin that differ from fats in being less greasy, harder, and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high molecular weight (as fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons) b : a pliable or liquid composition used especially in uniting surfaces, excluding air, making patterns or impressions, or producing a polished surface <dental waxes>

3

: a waxy secretion; especially : earwax

wax

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a class of pliable substances, organic compounds of animal, plant, mineral, or synthetic origin, less greasy, harder, and more brittle than fats. Waxes contain mostly compounds of high molecular weight (fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons). Many melt at moderate temperatures and form hard films that can take a high polish. Animal and plant waxes are esters of fatty acids and either a sterol (see steroid) or a straight-chain higher alcohol (e.g., cetyl alcohol). Animal waxes include beeswax; wool wax (lanolin), used in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics; and sperm oil and spermaceti (from sperm whales), used as lubricants. Plant waxes include carnauba wax, candelilla wax, and sugarcane wax, used in polishes. About 90% of the waxes in commerce are recovered by dewaxing petroleum. There are three main types: paraffin (used in candles, crayons, paper coating, and industrial polishes and as a protective sealant, lubricant, insulating agent, and antifrothing agent), microcrystalline wax (used in paper coating), and petrolatum (used in ointments and cosmetics). Synthetic waxes (carbowaxes), derived from ethylene glycol, are commonly blended with petroleum waxes.