A waxy substance extracted from petroleum that's used to make candles, waterproof coatings, and other products.
From Latin 'parum affinis' meaning 'little affinity,' because early chemists noticed it didn't mix well with other substances. The term was coined in the 1800s when oil refining was being developed.
Before paraffin candles were invented in the 1850s, candles were made from whale fat (spermaceti)—so paraffin actually helped save whales by providing a cheap alternative, making it an accidental environmental victory!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.