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 primarily of a mixture of esters, hydrocarbons, and fatty acids : beeswax
2
: any of various substances resembling the wax of bees: such 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 (such as fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons)
b
: a solid substance (such 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
waxed; waxing; waxes
1
a
: to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing, stiffening, or reducing friction
b
: to apply wax to as a depilatory
getting her legs waxed
2
: to record on phonograph records
3
slang
: to defeat decisively (as in an athletic contest)
waxed; waxing; waxes
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
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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