paraffin
[ par-uh-fin ]
/ ˈpær ə fɪn /
noun
a white or colorless, tasteless, odorless, water-insoluble, solid substance not easily acted upon by reagents, consisting of a mixture of hydrocarbons chiefly of the alkane series, obtained from crude petroleum: used in candles, for forming preservative coatings and seals, for waterproofing paper, etc.
Chemistry.
- any member of the alkane series.
- one of the higher members of the alkane series, solid at ordinary temperatures, having a boiling point above 300°C, which largely constitutes the commercial form of this substance.
Also called paraffin oil. British.
kerosene.
verb (used with object)
to cover or impregnate with paraffin.
Words nearby paraffin
Example sentences from the Web for paraffin
British Dictionary definitions for paraffin
paraffin
less commonly paraffine (ˈpærəˌfiːn)
/ (ˈpærəfɪn) /
noun
Also called: paraffin oil, (esp US and Canadian) kerosene
a liquid mixture consisting mainly of alkane hydrocarbons with boiling points in the range 150°–300°C, used as an aircraft fuel, in domestic heaters, and as a solvent
another name for alkane
See paraffin wax
See liquid paraffin
verb (tr)
to treat with paraffin or paraffin wax
Word Origin for paraffin
C19: from German, from Latin
parum too little +
affinis adjacent; so called from its chemical inertia
Scientific definitions for paraffin
paraffin
[ păr′ə-fĭn ]
A waxy, white or colorless solid mixture of hydrocarbons made from petroleum and used to make candles, wax paper, lubricants, and waterproof coatings. Also called paraffin wax
See alkane.