How Do You Spell WAX?

Pronunciation: [wˈaks] (IPA)

The word "wax" is spelled with the letters W-A-X. The first sound, /w/, is a voiced labial-velar approximant produced by rounding the lips and bringing the back of the tongue near the velum. The second sound, /æ/, is a front unrounded vowel produced with the mouth slightly open and the tongue low. The final sound, /ks/, is a voiceless alveolar fricative followed by an unvoiced alveolar plosive. This combination of sounds creates the word "wax," commonly used to refer to a substance used for candles or hair removal.

WAX Meaning and Definition

  1. Wax, typically a noun, refers to a solid, malleable substance that is obtained from plant or animal sources and is frequently used in various industries for a wide array of purposes. The term can also be used as a verb to indicate the process of applying wax or treating something with wax.

    In its solid state, wax is characterized by its pliable and easily meltable nature. It is often derived from specific glands, like the beeswax produced by bees or the earwax found in the ears of mammals. Wax is known for its ability to form a water-resistant and protective coating when applied to various materials. This has led to its use in cosmetics, where it is utilized to create creams, lip balms, and other beauty products.

    Additionally, wax finds applications in several industries. For instance, in candle-making, it is a key component that provides flammability to the wick as it burns, emitting light and heat. Wax is also utilized in the creation of various polishes, sealants, coatings, and adhesives due to its binding and protective properties.

    As a verb, to wax refers to the process of applying or treating something with wax to enhance its appearance, durability, or to make it waterproof. This can involve rubbing, melting, or spreading the wax over a surface to create a smooth and polished finish.

    In summary, wax is a versatile substance that exists in solid form, with a flexible and meltable consistency. It is obtained from plant or animal sources and is widely employed in industries such as cosmetics, candle-making, and coatings. Additionally, to wax can also refer to the act of treating something with wax to improve its properties.

  2. • 1. A thick, tenacious substance plastic at room temperature, secreted by bees for building their cells, or the honeycomb; cera. 2. Any substance of physical properties similar to those of beeswax, of animal, vegetable, or mineral origin. 3. Cerumen, earwax.
    • To grow, to increase in size.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • The substance collected and employed by bees in the construction of their cells-also bees-wax, a substance found on the leaves and fruit of certain plants; any substance resembling wax.
    • To rub, smear, or unite with wax.
    • To increase in size; to become larger; to pass from one state to another.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for WAX *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for WAX

Etymology of WAX

The word "wax" has its roots in Old English, where it was spelled "weax". However, its origins can be traced back to Proto-Germanic, where the word was "wahsą". This eventually evolved from the Proto-Indo-European root "*wokso-", meaning "wax, honeycomb". The word "wax" has been used to refer to both the substance obtained from bees as well as the action of growing or increasing in various contexts.

Idioms with the word WAX

  • as much chance as a wax cat in hell The idiom "as much chance as a wax cat in hell" is a humorous or sarcastic way of saying that something or someone has absolutely no chance of success or survival. It implies that the odds are highly unlikely or impossible, likening the situation or person to a wax cat (which would melt in the intense heat of hell) having no chance in an unfavorable or adverse environment.
  • wax angry To "wax angry" means to gradually or intensively become angry or agitated. It implies a gradual build-up of anger or frustration over time rather than an immediate or sudden outburst. "Wax" here refers to the notion of gradually increasing or growing stronger, like the moon waxing or becoming larger. Thus, when someone "waxes angry," they progressively become angrier until they reach a notable state of anger.
  • a different ball of wax The idiom "a different ball of wax" refers to a completely separate or distinct matter or situation. It indicates that the topic being discussed is unrelated or dissimilar to the one previously mentioned. It suggests that the new subject requires a separate discussion or consideration.
  • the whole ball of wax The idiom "the whole ball of wax" refers to the entirety or entirety of something, including all its parts or aspects. It implies considering or dealing with every aspect of a situation or topic, without disregarding any details or leaving anything out.
  • wax lyrical about To "wax lyrical about" means to speak or praise something enthusiastically, often in a poetic or exaggerated manner. It implies expressing one's admiration, fascination, or appreciation for a particular subject or topic.
  • wax poetic To "wax poetic" means to speak or write in a beautiful, eloquent, or overly sentimental manner, often using elaborate language or expressing profound emotions or thoughts. It refers to someone indulging in poetic or artistic expression, often in storytelling or speech.
  • different ball of wax The idiom "different ball of wax" is used to describe a situation or topic that is distinct or unrelated to the matter being discussed. It implies that the new subject is separate and should be approached or considered differently.
  • wax lyrical about something To "wax lyrical about something" means to speak or write about it in a passionate, poetic, or exaggerated manner. It suggests expressing deep enthusiasm or admiration for a topic, often with eloquent or flowery language.
  • wax eloquent The idiom "wax eloquent" means to speak or express oneself in a very articulate and persuasive manner. It refers to someone's ability to use language skillfully and effectively to convey their thoughts and ideas.
  • whole ball of wax The idiom "whole ball of wax" refers to the entirety or the whole of a situation, thing, or matter. It implies considering all aspects, factors, or components of something. It expresses the concept of taking everything into account or comprehensively understanding a subject.
  • wax lyrical To wax lyrical means to speak or write about something in an enthusiastic and poetic manner. It refers to expressing oneself eloquently, passionately, or with great enthusiasm, often about a particular topic or subject.
  • wax and wane The idiom "wax and wane" means to have alternating periods of increase and decrease, growth and decline, or strength and weakness. It is often used to describe the fluctuating nature or cyclical pattern of something.
  • whole ball of wax, the The entire situation or set of circumstances; everything; the whole package.

Similar spelling words for WAX

Plural form of WAX is WAXES

Conjugate verb Wax

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have waxed
you would have waxed
he/she/it would have waxed
we would have waxed
they would have waxed
I would have wax
you would have wax
he/she/it would have wax
we would have wax
they would have wax

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been waxing
you would have been waxing
he/she/it would have been waxing
we would have been waxing
they would have been waxing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would wax
you would wax
he/she/it would wax
we would wax
they would wax

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be waxing
you would be waxing
he/she/it would be waxing
we would be waxing
they would be waxing

FUTURE

I will wax
you will wax
he/she/it will wax
we will wax
they will wax

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be waxing
you will be waxing
he/she/it will be waxing
we will be waxing
they will be waxing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have waxed
you will have waxed
he/she/it will have waxed
we will have waxed
they will have waxed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been waxing
you will have been waxing
he/she/it will have been waxing
we will have been waxing
they will have been waxing

IMPERATIVE

you wax
we let´s wax

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to wax

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was waxing
you were waxing
he/she/it was waxing
we were waxing
they were waxing

PAST PARTICIPLE

waxed

PAST PERFECT

I had waxed
you had waxed
he/she/it had waxed
we had waxed
they had waxed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been waxing
you had been waxing
he/she/it had been waxing
we had been waxing
they had been waxing

PRESENT

I wax
you wax
he/she/it waxes
we wax
they wax

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am waxing
you are waxing
he/she/it is waxing
we are waxing
they are waxing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

waxing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have waxed
you have waxed
he/she/it has waxed
we have waxed
they have waxed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been waxing
you have been waxing
he/she/it has been waxing
we have been waxing
they have been waxing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it wax

SIMPLE PAST

I waxed
you waxed
he/she/it waxed
we waxed
they waxed

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