Candlewick

/ˈkændəlˌwɪk/ noun

Definition

The cord or string made of twisted fibers that goes through the center of a candle and burns to produce light.

Etymology

Compound of 'candle' and 'wick' (from Old English 'wicca,' possibly related to German 'Wachs,' meaning wax). The wick is the part that actually burns and provides the flame.

Kelly Says

Candlewicks were originally rushes soaked in fat before twisted fibers became standard—the quality of the wick determined everything about how a candle burned, so making good wicks was a specialized skill!

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