wax

[wæks]

wax Definition

  • 1a solid, yellowish substance that is made from beeswax or a similar substance and is used for making candles, furniture polish, etc.
  • 2to increase gradually in size, amount, intensity, or extent

Using wax: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wax" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She used wax to make candles.

  • Example

    The moon is waxing tonight.

  • Example

    He waxed eloquent about his travels.

  • Example

    The crowd's excitement waxed as the band took the stage.

wax Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wax

  • noun: beeswax, paraffin wax, tallow, verb: grow, increase, expand, enlarge

Antonyms for wax

  • noun: wane, decrease, verb: decrease, diminish

Phrases with wax

  • wax and wane

    to increase and decrease in size, amount, or strength over time

    Example

    Their relationship has waxed and waned over the years.

  • recorded on vinyl or other physical media

    Example

    I found an old album of my favorite band on wax at the thrift store.

  • to speak or write in an overly sentimental or romantic way

    Example

    Whenever he talks about his hometown, he tends to wax poetic.

Origins of wax

from Old English 'weax'

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Summary: wax in Brief

The term 'wax' [wæks] refers to a solid, yellowish substance made from beeswax or similar substances, used for making candles, furniture polish, and more. It also means to increase gradually in size, amount, intensity, or extent, as in 'The moon is waxing tonight.' 'Wax' extends into phrases like 'wax and wane,' denoting fluctuation, and 'wax poetic,' implying overly sentimental language.

How do native speakers use this expression?