paraffin

noun/ˈpærəfɪn/

Frequency rank: #16,725 most common English word

Meaning

a white or colorless waxy solid derived from petroleum, used in candles, coatings, and fuel.

Illustration for the English word “paraffin”

Example sentence

The candles in the old church were made from paraffin, giving off a faint waxy smell.

Synonyms & related words

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