First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1wax
noun \ˈwaks\
Definition of WAX
1
: a substance that is secreted by bees and is used by them for constructing the honeycomb, that is a dull yellow solid plastic when warm, and that is composed of a mixture of esters, cerotic acid, and hydrocarbons —called also beeswax
2
: any of various substances resembling the wax of bees: as a : any of numerous substances of plant or animal origin that differ from fats in being less greasy, harder, and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high molecular weight (as fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons) b : a solid substance (as ozokerite or paraffin wax) of mineral origin consisting usually of hydrocarbons of high molecular weight c : a pliable or liquid composition used especially in uniting surfaces, excluding air, making patterns or impressions, or producing a polished surface
3
: something likened to wax as soft, impressionable, or readily molded
4
: a waxy secretion; especially : earwax
5
: a phonograph recording
— wax·like \ˈwaks-ˌlīk\ adjective
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Origin of WAX
Middle English, from Old English weax; akin to Old High German wahs wax, Lithuanian vaškas
2wax
verb
Definition of WAX
transitive verb
1
a : to treat or rub with wax usually for polishing, stiffening, or reducing friction b : to apply wax to (as legs) as a depilatory
2
: to record on phonograph records
3
slang : to defeat decisively (as in an athletic contest)
First Known Use of WAX
14th century
Other Audio Recording Terms
3wax
verb
Definition of WAX
intransitive verb
1
a : to increase in size, numbers, strength, prosperity, or intensity b : to grow in volume or duration c : to grow toward full development
2
: to increase in phase or intensity —used chiefly of the moon, other satellites, and inferior planets
3
: to assume a (specified) characteristic, quality, or state : become <wax indignant> <wax poetic>
Origin of WAX
Middle English, from Old English weaxan; akin to Old High German wahsan to increase, Greek auxanein, Latin augēre — more at eke
First Known Use: before 12th century
4wax
noun
Definition of WAX
First Known Use of WAX
14th century
5wax
noun
WAXLIKE Defined for Kids
1wax
noun \ˈwaks\
Definition of WAX for Kids
1
: a yellowish sticky substance made by bees and used in building the honeycomb : beeswax
2
: a material (as paraffin) that resembles the wax made by bees (as by being soft and easily molded when warm)
2wax
verb
waxedwax·ing
Definition of WAX for Kids
: to treat or polish with wax
3wax
verb
waxedwaxing
Definition of WAX for Kids
1
: to grow larger or stronger <The moon waxes and then wanes.>
Medical Dictionary
wax
noun \ˈwaks\
Medical Definition of WAX
1
: a substance that is secreted by bees and is used by them for constructing the honeycomb, that is a dull yellow solid plastic when warm, and that is composed of a mixture of esters, cerotic acid, and hydrocarbons—called also beeswax
2
: any of various substances resembling beeswax: as a : any of numerous substances of plant or animal origin that differ from fats in being less greasy, harder, and more brittle and in containing principally compounds of high molecular weight (as fatty acids, alcohols, and saturated hydrocarbons) b : a pliable or liquid composition used especially in uniting surfaces, excluding air, making patterns or impressions, or producing a polished surface <dental waxes>
3
: a waxy secretion; especially : earwax
Learn More About WAX
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Seen & Heard
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