Paraffin

Pronunciation

• US IPA: /ˈpɛɹ.É™.fɪn/

Origin

Latin paraffinum from parum (too little) + affinis (related, affinity). Therefore low affinity or being chemically neutral

Alternative forms

• paraffine

Noun

1. (British) A petroleum based thin and colorless fuel oil, (kerosene in US English).
• 1919, William Somerset Maugham, ,She poured paraffin on the dry floors and on the pandanus-mats, and then she set fire.
2. (chemistry) Any member of the alkane hydrocarbons.
3. paraffin wax.

Derived terms

• chloroparaffin

Full definition of paraffin

Verb

1. To impregnate or treat with paraffin