paraffin
noun
No English definition recorded for this entry.
L325025 on Wikidata ↗Wiktionary
Pronunciation: /ˈpæɹ.ə.fɪn/ / /ˈpɛɹ.ə.fɪn/
noun
Etymology: From Latin paraffinum, from parum (too little) + affinis (related, affinity). Therefore low affinity or being chemically neutral.
- A petroleum-based thin and colourless fuel oil.
“She poured paraffin on the dry floors and on the pandanus-mats, and then she set fire.”
“The paper found high levels of phased-out flame retardants like PCBs and PBDEs, as well as allegedly safe, newer replacements chemicals, such as chlorinated paraffins and organophosphates, across the globe.”
- Any member of the alkane hydrocarbons.
- Paraffin wax.
verb
Etymology: From Latin paraffinum, from parum (too little) + affinis (related, affinity). Therefore low affinity or being chemically neutral.
- To impregnate or treat with paraffin.
- To embed in paraffin wax.