waxy

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   made of, coated with, or resembling wax in texture, surface, or lustre

   The green paste had a waxy sheen and a heavy perfume.

2. 2
   adj

   unnaturally pale, smooth, or translucent in appearance, especially of skin

   Illness had left his face waxy and colourless.

3. 3
   adj

   soft, pliable, and readily shaped or impressed

   The warm material became waxy enough to mould by hand.

From Middle English waxy, formed from wax + -y. Literal resemblance in coating, texture, and sheen led to figurative uses for pale complexions and material that is soft enough to receive an impression.

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