Definition of: paraffin

(par′ə·fin) noun Chem.
1. A translucent, waxy, solid mixture of hydrocarbons, indifferent to most chemical reagents: it is a constituent of peat, soft coal, and shale, but is derived principally from the distillation of petroleum.
2. Any saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon of the methane series having the formula C_nH_2n+2.
—v.t. To treat or impregnate with paraffin. Also par′af·fine (-fin, -fēn). [<G <L parum too little + affinis related to; so named because it has little affinity for other bodies]