What does paraffin mean?
Word: Paraffin
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Paraffin means a thin, clear oil made from petroleum. It gives light and heat when it burns.
How do you spell paraffin?
Syllables: par - af - fin
Tricky part: The middle has a double f. Said quickly, the word sounds as if it has only one, so parafin is a common slip.
Watch out for: parafin, paraphin
Memory tip: Break it into par-af-fin: the middle beat ends with an f and the last beat starts with one, so both get written.
Paraffin in a sentence
Example 1: When the power went off, Nanaji lit the old paraffin lamp on the veranda.
Example 2: The shop at the corner sells paraffin in large tins.
Example 3: Dadaji keeps a can of paraffin for the heater in winter.
Fun Fact
In British English the fuel is called paraffin, while in American English the same fuel is usually called kerosene.
Practise the CREST Way
Spellacadabra
Choose the option in which the following letters will fit in the given order:
a, a, i
a) c_r_v_n
b) t_m_t_
c) b_n_n_
d) p_r_ff_n
Show answer
d) p_r_ff_n. Only p_r_ff_n becomes a real word with a, a and then i in the gaps.
Spell Spies
Choose the incorrectly spelt word:
a) muffin
b) giraffe
c) parraffin
d) coffee
Show answer
c) parraffin. There is just one r after the pa at the start of paraffin.
Jumble Tumble
What is the meaning of the word that can be formed from the given letters?
fianfrap
a) a fuel some families burn in a stove or lamp
b) a sweet, sticky food made by bees
c) a strong wind that brings heavy rain
d) a soft cloth used to dry dishes
Show answer
a) a fuel some families burn in a stove or lamp. Put in order, fianfrap gives paraffin, a fuel.
Word Champ
Which of the words cannot be made using the letters in the given word?
paraffin
a) pain
b) fair
c) fin
d) paper
Show answer
d) paper. Paper needs an e and a second p, and paraffin has neither.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of these is often made from paraffin wax?
a) paper
b) candles
c) glass
d) chalk
Show answer
b) candles
2. Which of these is also a fuel?
a) clay
b) cotton
c) chalk
d) coal
Show answer
d) coal
