paraffin
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for paraffin, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A waxy or oily substance derived from petroleum, used as fuel, in candles, or for waterproofing.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Etymology
From Latin parum ("too little") + affinis ("related"), coined to describe the substance's low chemical reactivity — literally "little affinity."
Full origin of paraffin →Frequently asked questions
What does “paraffin” mean?
The word “paraffin” means a waxy or oily substance derived from petroleum, used as fuel, in candles, or for waterproofing. In plain terms, a petroleum-derived wax or oil, used in candles, fuel, and waterproofing.
How do you pronounce “paraffin”?
“Paraffin” is pronounced PAR-uh-fihn (/ˈpɛɹ.ə.fɪn/ in IPA).
How do you use “paraffin” in a sentence?
Here is “paraffin” used in a sentence: “The lamp burned paraffin oil for light.”
What part of speech is “paraffin”?
“Paraffin” is a noun.
Where does the word “paraffin” come from?
The word “paraffin” comes from Latin. From Latin parum ("too little") + affinis ("related"), coined to describe the substance's low chemical reactivity — literally "little affinity.".