Paraffin

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Paraffin

Paraffin (pronunciation: /ˈparəfin/), also known as paraffin wax, is a soft, colorless solid derived from petroleum, coal or oil shale. The term "paraffin" is derived from the Latin words "parum" (meaning "little") and "affinis" (meaning "affinity"), indicating its minimal reactivity.

Uses

Paraffin is widely used in various industries due to its versatile properties. In the medical field, it is commonly used in histopathology for the embedding and sectioning of tissue samples. It is also used in physiotherapy for heat therapy treatments, known as paraffin therapy.

Properties

Paraffin is a white or colorless soft solid derivable from petroleum, coal or oil shale. It is chemically inert, making it safe for use in many medical applications. It has a low melting point, which makes it ideal for use in heat therapy treatments.

Related Terms

  • Paraffin therapy: A form of heat therapy that involves the use of paraffin wax. It is commonly used to relieve pain and stiffness in the hands and feet.
  • Histopathology: The study of changes in tissues caused by disease. Paraffin is used in this field for the embedding and sectioning of tissue samples.
  • Physiotherapy: A healthcare profession that assesses, diagnoses, treats, and works to prevent disease and disability through physical means. Paraffin therapy is a treatment method used in this field.

Etymology

The term "paraffin" comes from the Latin words "parum" (meaning "little") and "affinis" (meaning "affinity"), indicating its minimal reactivity. This is due to the fact that paraffin is chemically inert, meaning it does not readily react with other substances.

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