Noun: paraffin per-u-fin [N. Amer], pa-ru-fin [Brit]
- A series of non-aromatic saturated hydrocarbons with the general formula CnH(2n+2)
"Methane is the simplest alkane in the paraffin series";
- methane series, alkane series, alkane, paraffin series
- A white, translucent, waxy solid derived from petroleum, used in candles, cosmetics, and for waterproofing
"They applied paraffin wax to the cheese to prevent mould growth";
- paraffin wax
- [Brit] A flammable hydrocarbon oil used as fuel in lamps and heaters
"They relied on paraffin lamps during the power outage";
- kerosene, kerosine, lamp oil, coal oil [N. Amer], paraffin oil [Brit]
Derived forms: paraffins
Type of: aliphatic compound, fuel, hydrocarbon, wax
Encyclopedia: Paraffin