Beeswax
- Pronunciation
- /BEEZ-waks/
- Category
- Material
- Singular
- Beeswax
- Plural
- Beeswaxes
Definition
A natural wax produced by honey bees, used to build honeycomb cells in which they store honey and raise their brood.
Etymology
Derived from 'bee', pertaining to the insect, and 'wax', an Anglo-Saxon word originally meaning 'substance used for making candles'.
Example
Beekeepers harvest beeswax from honeycombs to make candles, cosmetics, and other products.
Synonyms
- Cera alba
- Bee wax
Related Terms
- Honeycomb
- Honey
- Propolis
- Beekeeping
Usage Notes
Beeswax is secreted by worker bees and is used commercially in a variety of industries, including cosmetics, food, and pharmaceuticals.