¦ noun
1. (also paraffin wax) chiefly Brit. a flammable waxy solid obtained by distilling petroleum or shale and used for sealing and waterproofing and in candles, cosmetics, etc.
2. (also paraffin oil or liquid paraffin) Brit. a liquid fuel made similarly, especially kerosene.
3.
Chemistry old-fashioned term for
alkane.
Origin
C19: from Ger., from L. parum 'little' + affinis 'related' (from its low reactivity).