Paraffin: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ฏ๏ธ
paraffin
[ หpรฆrษfษชn ]
chemical compound
Paraffin is a waxy, flammable substance derived from petroleum. It is commonly used in the production of candles, coating for food, and as a lubricant. In industrial applications, paraffin is also utilized for making waxes and polishes, and in the production of certain types of plastics. It is known for its insulating properties and is often used in electrical applications. Additionally, paraffin has various applications in the medical field, particularly in histology for embedding biological tissue samples.
Synonyms
aliphatic hydrocarbon, kerosene, wax
Examples of usage
- The candle was made of paraffin.
- We use paraffin to coat our food for preservation.
- Paraffin wax is often employed in candle making.
- She applied paraffin to the surface to prevent rust.
Translations
Translations of the word "paraffin" in other languages:
๐ต๐น parafina
๐ฎ๐ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคพเคซเคฟเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Paraffin
๐ฎ๐ฉ parafin
๐บ๐ฆ ะฟะฐัะฐััะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ parafina
๐ฏ๐ต ใใฉใใฃใณ
๐ซ๐ท paraffine
๐ช๐ธ parafina
๐น๐ท parafin
๐ฐ๐ท ํ๋ผํ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุจุงุฑุงููู
๐จ๐ฟ parafรญn
๐ธ๐ฐ parafรญn
๐จ๐ณ ็ณ่ก
๐ธ๐ฎ parafin
๐ฎ๐ธ paraรญn
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฟะฐัะฐัะธะฝ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแ แแคแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ parafin
๐ฒ๐ฝ parafina
Etymology
The term 'paraffin' originates from the Latin word 'parum' meaning 'little' and 'affinis' meaning 'related' or 'connected'. This reflects the compound's low reactivity and its ability to remain relatively inert in chemical processes. Paraffin was first described in the early 19th century with the advent of chemistry and fossil fuel extraction. It began to be used commercially in the mid-1800s when kerosene lamps became popular, and its use expanded significantly with industrial advancements. Over the years, paraffin has found applications beyond lighting, including in cosmetics, food preservation, and pharmaceuticals, solidifying its importance in both domestic and industrial settings.