paraffin
verbEtymology From Latin paraffinum, from parum (too little) + affinis (related, affinity). Therefore low affinity or being chemically neutral.
1
To impregnate or treat with paraffin.
2
To embed in paraffin wax.
paraffin
nounUK /ˈpæɹ.ə.fɪn/ · US /ˈpɛɹ.ə.fɪn/
Etymology From Latin paraffinum, from parum (too little) + affinis (related, affinity). Therefore low affinity or being chemically neutral.
- She poured paraffin on the dry floors and on the pandanus-mats, and then she set fire.1919, W[illiam] Somerset Maugham, “chapter 57”, in The Moon and Sixpence, [New York, N.Y.]: Grosset & Dunlap Publishers […], →OCLC:
- The paper found high levels of phased-out flame retardants like PCBs and PBDEs, as well as allegedly safe, newer replacements chemicals, such as chlorinated paraffins and organophosphates, across the globe.2023 October 18, Tom Perkins, “Flame retardant pollution threatens wildlife on all continents, research finds”, in The Guardian:
2
Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Natural sciences, Organic chemistry, Petrochemistry, Petrology, Physical sciences Any member of the alkane hydrocarbons.
3
Paraffin wax.