waxy

Everyday

Waxy means made of wax, covered in wax, or looking or feeling like wax: smooth, shiny and a little slippery. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons on plants, many leaves have a waxy coating that keeps water in and lets rain roll off. Some fruits like apples have a waxy skin. In stories, a very pale, smooth face may be described as waxy, meaning ill. Phrases: «waxy leaves», «waxy skin», «waxy coating».

Examples

• Cactus plants have thick, waxy skin to save water. tree →
• Raindrops rolled off the waxy leaves. tree →
• The apple had a shiny, waxy peel. tree →
• The crayon felt waxy on my fingers. tree →
• The old candle left a waxy mess. tree →
• In the story, the sick boy's face looked pale and waxy. tree →
• There were creepers hanging from the upper branches, and the bells of the flowers of the creepers, great waxy white things like convolvuluses, hung down fast asleep. tree →

Note

Adjective: «wax» + «-y». Comparative «waxier», superlative «waxiest». A waxy coating on a leaf is called a cuticle in science.