ski wax

1 2.9

A substance you put on the bottom of skis to help them glide on snow

noun
/ski wæks/

: cera para esquí

Applying ski wax to your skis will help you glide more smoothly over the snow.

Examples

Ski wax.

A Force of One (1979)
Ski wax?

A Force of One (1979)
What is it with ski wax?

A Force of One (1979)
Any ski wax?

A Force of One (1979)
Before hitting the slopes, make sure to put a fresh layer of ski wax on your skis.
Using the right type of ski wax can significantly enhance your speed and control while skiing.

Surface Forms

ski wax singular

ski waxes plural

Morphology

ski + wax

The meaning 'a wax applied to skis' is directly and transparently derivable from the constituents 'ski' (the equipment) and 'wax' (a polishing/substance), forming a regular noun+noun compound. This follows common compositional patterns found across languages, so a B1 learner who knows both words would readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The name ski wax comes from the simple act of rubbing wax on the bottom of skis to change how they move on the snow. So, ski wax means 'a substance used on skis to help them glide or grip the snow'.