wax

A solid substance from animals, such as bees, that softens when warm and is used to make candles.

• The candle is made from wax.
• The bees produce wax for their honeycomb.
• Warm wax dripped onto the table.

Common phrases: candle wax, natural wax

An oily substance that stays firm or partly firm and keeps water out.

• This wax protects the wood from water.
• The factory uses synthetic wax in its products.
• Apply a thin layer of wax to the surface.

Common phrases: paraffin wax, protective wax

A yellowish substance made inside the ears that helps protect them.

• Wax can build up inside your ears.
• The doctor removed some wax from his ear.
• Too much wax was affecting her hearing.

Similar words: earwax

Common phrases: ear wax, wax buildup

To cover a surface with a substance that protects it or makes it shine.

• He waxes his car every month.
• We waxed the wooden floor yesterday.
• Wax the table, then polish it with a soft cloth.

Similar words: buff, shine, polish, furbish

Common phrases: wax a car, wax the floor, wax thread, wax something

If the moon does this, its bright part appears larger each night until it is full.

• The moon waxes before it becomes full.
• We watched the moon waxing over several nights.
• Does the moon wax at the same rate each month?

Opposites: wane

Common phrases: wax and wane, moon begins to wax

To become greater, stronger, or larger.

• His influence waxed as the years passed.
• Public interest waxes and wanes with the seasons.
• Their power continued to wax while their rivals grew weaker.

Similar words: grow, increase

Opposites: wane, decrease

Common phrases: wax and wane, wax in strength