paraffin

Paraffin is usually thought of as a waxy substance used to make candles, seal surfaces, and add a smooth coating to things like paper, packaging, or crayons. You may also hear about warm wax treatments for the hands or joints, where it is used to help soothe stiffness and discomfort.

The word can also mean a kind of lamp or heater fuel, especially in British English, where it often means kerosene. So when you come across paraffin, the meaning is usually either wax or fuel, depending on the context.

Paraffin is a word with more than one common meaning, and the exact sense depends on the context. Most often, it refers to a soft, waxy material made from petroleum or similar mineral oils. This material is used in candles, crayons, waterproof or protective coatings, polishes, and some cosmetic or skin-care products. It is valued because it melts easily, resists water, and can form a smooth protective layer.

In health and beauty settings, it may refer to warm wax treatments, such as hand or foot baths, that are used to soften skin and help ease stiffness in sore joints. In industry, related forms of it may also be used in lubricants and other oil-based products.

The word can also refer to kerosene, especially in British English. In that sense, it means a liquid fuel used in lamps, stoves, and heaters. Because of these different uses, when you see paraffin in a sentence, it usually helps to ask whether the writer is talking about wax, a petroleum-based substance more generally, or fuel.