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Glite Dictionary
paraffin scale

paraffin scale

9.9
A partly refined wax made from crude oil used in industry
  • noun
  • /ˈpærəfɪn skeɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : escala de parafina
  • Refineries produce paraffin scale as an intermediate step in making commercial wax products.

Examples

  • Blocks of paraffin scale are sometimes used in industrial lubrication applications.

  • The laboratory tested samples of paraffin scale for purity before further processing.

  • The factory uses paraffin scale in the production process.

  • Can you explain what paraffin scale is?

  • Refineries produce paraffin scale as a byproduct during the petroleum refining process, which is then used in various industrial applications.

  • Engineers often incorporate paraffin scale in the formulation of lubricants due to its unique properties.

  • Many industries rely on paraffin scale for its effectiveness in enhancing product stability and performance.

Synonyms

wax
vsparaffin scale
187 2.8

A solid natural material that bees make, used to make candles and polish things

is a specific petroleum residue rather than any solid material from various sources
paraffin
vsparaffin scale
5 4.8

A white or colorless wax used to make candles and protect things from water

is viewed as a partly refined residual product used in industrial contexts
paraffin wax
vsparaffin scale
1 4.3

White solid made from oil in the ground used to make candles and preserve or coat things

is instead a partly refined residue product used mainly in industrial applications
scale wax
vsparaffin scale
  • Specialized
9.7

Partly refined paraffin wax made when oil is processed and used in industry

is often called the same residue product used for industrial purposes

Surface Forms

paraffin scale singular
paraffin scales plural

Morphology

paraffin + scale

The phrase combines 'paraffin' (a wax) with 'scale', which can mean a deposit or residue, so the sense 'paraffin residue/partly refined paraffin' is partly derivable from the constituents. However, the relevant sense of 'scale' is technical and not a common B1 meaning (and is missing a dictionary gloss here), so learners who only know basic senses may not fully infer the industrial meaning without exposure.

Etymology

Paraffin scale comes from oil processing, when the waxy part, paraffin, sticks to pipes and forms a hard 'waxy layer' called a scale. So the name means the 'leftover wax' made during refining, which is collected and sometimes used in industry.