Wax has traditionally referred to a substance that is secreted by bees (beeswax) and used by them in constructing their honeycombs.
It is an imprecisely defined term generally understood to be a substance with properties similar to beeswax, namely
Waxes may be natural secretions of plants or animals, artificially produced by purification from natural petroleum or completely synthetic. In addition to beeswax, carnauba (a plant epicuticular wax) and paraffin (a petroleum wax) are commonly encountered waxes which occur naturally. Earwax is an oily substance found in the human ear. Some artificial materials such as silicone wax that exhibit similar properties are also described as wax or waxy.
Commercial honeycomb foundation, made by pressing beeswax between patterned metal rollers.Last update: 2008-05-05 13:58:38 Wax | Copyright 2008 HubHip.com>