What does paraffine mean?
Paraffine is chiefly a British variant spelling of paraffin, a family of waxy or oily substances derived from petroleum. Depending on the intended meaning, it may refer to the solid wax used for candles, a liquid petroleum fuel, or a purified petroleum preparation used in skin treatments and ointments. In modern international English, however, paraffin is much more common than paraffine. The word is most familiar in expressions such as paraffin wax, paraffin oil, and liquid paraffin. Although paraffin can burn with a clean flame, handling it requires care because it is flammable and can leave oily marks on clothing or surfaces. The term also has an interesting scientific origin, linked to the substance’s chemical relationship with petroleum.
nounA waxy, flammable substance obtained from petroleum and used in candles, waterproofing, cosmetics, and other preparations. The term is chiefly a British variant spelling of “paraffin”; depending on context, it may also refer to a liquid petroleum fuel or to petroleum jelly.
- A waxy or oily substance derived from petroleum, especially one used in candles, fuels, ointments, or waterproofing.
- A liquid fuel made from petroleum, especially in British usage.
"The old lamp was filled with paraffin, which gave off a warm yellow flame."
"The conservator used liquid paraffin to protect the fragile surface of the painting."
"In some parts of Britain, paraffin is still sold as a household fuel for small lamps and heaters."
Rare; the substance is normally used as an uncountable noun.
"The laboratory tested several paraffines for their melting points."
The word “paraffin” was coined from Latin for “near affinity,” a reference to the substance’s chemical similarities to petroleum.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does paraffine come from?
The word entered English through German Paraffin, a term derived from the Latin phrase par affinis, meaning “near affinity.” It was applied to petroleum-derived substances because of their chemical affinities with related hydrocarbons. Over time, English developed the now-standard spelling paraffin, while paraffine remained chiefly in British use.
Related word forms
How paraffine is actually used
The spelling “paraffine” is now less common than “paraffin,” especially in American English. In British usage, “paraffin” can refer to several petroleum-derived substances, so the modifier matters: “paraffin wax,” “paraffin oil,” and “liquid paraffin” denote different or more specific products.
Easily confused with paraffine
“Paraffine” is chiefly a British spelling variant of “paraffin,” while “paraffin” is the more widely used form in modern English.