1. Plural of paraffin; a waxy, flammable hydrocarbon mixture obtained from petroleum or coal tar, used in candles, lubricants, and insulation.
Usage: Chiefly British English; American English typically uses 'paraffin' as both singular and plural, or 'paraffins' less commonly.

Examples

• The factory produces paraffines for use in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.
• Paraffines are commonly used as the base material for scented candles.
• Industrial paraffines have a wide range of melting points depending on their composition.
• The chemist analyzed the paraffines extracted from crude oil.
• Paraffines provide excellent insulation properties in electrical applications.