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paraffin
[ par-uh-fin ]
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.
paraffin
/ ˈpærəfɪn; ˈpærəˌfiːn /
noun
- Also calledparaffin oilesp US and Canadiankerosene 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
- to treat with paraffin or paraffin wax
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
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Word History and Origins
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Word History and Origins
Origin of paraffin1
C19: from German, from Latin parum too little + affinis adjacent; so called from its chemical inertia
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Example Sentences
They are grayish or colorless, and have a dull waxy look, as if cut from paraffin (Figs. 43 and 61).
From Project Gutenberg
Melt some wax or paraffin in a suitable vessel and cover the surface of the wood, using a brush or rag.
From Project Gutenberg
Place over the first layer two layers of paraffin paper and wind on a second layer of wire.
From Project Gutenberg
Outside of the completed secondary winding place at least six layers of paraffin paper, or several layers of insulating cloth.
From Project Gutenberg
Wind about 240 turns on each layer and place one layer of paraffin paper between each layer of wire.
From Project Gutenberg
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