Words / A1

WAKS/wæks/

Wax is a soft substance that melts when it is hot, used to make candles and crayons. Usually uncountable: some wax, a piece of wax, candle wax. A crayon is a coloured stick of wax you draw with; oil is liquid and does not make a candle like this. Mix-up: wax vs axe (a tool for chopping) — extra w; and wax vs fax (an old machine) — extra f.

Meaning

A soft substance that melts with heat, used in candles and crayons.

Examples

• “The candle wax dripped on the table.”
• “Hot wax dripped from the birthday candle.”
• “There is wax on the tablecloth — let it go hard, then lift it.”

Good to know

uncountable: wax / some wax. Contrast: crayon (coloured stick), oil (liquid). Mix-up: axe.

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