Wax

Wax

Wax (/wæks/) is a general term referring to a class of chemical compounds that are plastic (malleable) near ambient temperatures. They are also a type of lipid.

Etymology

The word "wax" comes from the Old English weax, which is akin to the Old High German wahsa, meaning "increase, growth".

Types of Wax

There are many types of wax, including:

• Beeswax: A natural wax produced by honey bees.
• Carnauba wax: A plant-based wax derived from the leaves of the Brazilian palm tree species Copernicia prunifera.
• Paraffin wax: A white or colorless soft solid derivable from petroleum, coal or oil shale.
• Candelilla wax: A wax derived from the leaves of the small Candelilla shrub native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States.

Uses

Wax has a wide range of uses, including:

• Candle making: Wax is the primary fuel source for candles.
• Cosmetics: Many cosmetics contain wax to give them structure and stability.
• Food preservation: Wax can be used to preserve certain types of food, like cheese.
• Polish: Wax is often used in polishes for shoes, furniture, and automobiles.

Related Terms

• Waxing: The process of removing hair from the body using a wax mixture.
• Wax paper: A type of paper that is coated with wax to make it water-resistant.
• Earwax: A natural substance produced in the ear to protect it from damage and infections.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Wax
• Wikipedia's article - Wax

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