Wax

Wax is an organic chemical substance. It is a type of lipid. Waxes are soft, and easy to shape at room temperature. They are hydrophobic (meaning they repel water and are repelled by water), and they cannot be dissolved in water. The melting point of waxes is above 45°C.

Some waxes, like beeswax, vegetable wax, and paraffin (a petroleum wax) occur naturally. Another such wax is earwax, which occurs in the ear. Other waxes are manufactured. People use waxes for various purposes, including waxing, waxed paper, and wax tablets.

Wax Media

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  Cetyl palmitate, a typical wax ester

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  Commercial honeycomb foundation, made by pressing beeswax between patterned metal rollers

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  Ceroline brand wax for floors and furniture, first half of 20th century. From the Museo del Objeto del Objeto collection.

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  Close up of a candle flame.

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  A wax coating makes this Manila hemp waterproof.

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  A lava lamp is a novelty item that contains wax melted from below by a bulb. The wax rises and falls in decorative, molten blobs.