paraffin

Definition

A petroleum-based thin and colourless fuel oil.

Etymology

From Latin paraffinum, from parum (too little) + affinis (related, affinity). Therefore low affinity or being chemically neutral.

Example Sentences

• "She poured paraffin on the dry floors and on the pandanus-mats, and then she set fire."
• "The paper found high levels of phased-out flame retardants like PCBs and PBDEs, as well as allegedly safe, newer replacements chemicals, such as chlorinated paraffins and organophosphates, across the globe."