Word
waxy
US/ˈwæksi/
UK/wˈæksi/
Definition
adj. having a smooth, shiny surface that looks like wax. It can also describe something that is very stiff or lacks feeling, like a person's face when they are shocked.
adj. possessing a smooth, glossy, or greasy surface resembling wax; also describes a stiff, expressionless, or pale appearance in a person's face. Often used to describe physical textures or emotional states of shock.
Examples
“The apples have a waxy coating that makes them look fresh.”
“He gave a waxy smile that didn't reach his eyes, showing he was actually quite nervous about the meeting.”
“The museum's collection of preserved insects was displayed under glass, their waxy wings and bodies appearing almost lifelike despite being centuries old.”
Examples
simple
“The apples have a waxy coating that makes them look fresh.”
contextual
“He gave a waxy smile that didn't reach his eyes, showing he was actually quite nervous about the meeting.”
complex
“The museum's collection of preserved insects was displayed under glass, their waxy wings and bodies appearing almost lifelike despite being centuries old.”
Real-World Examples
“The waxy, gelatinous goop began to congeal in the cold, eventually looking more like crumbled bar soap than organic matter.” “Each tree is covered with green, waxy leaves that grow in pairs and coffee cherries grow along its branches.” Etymology
From Middle English waxi, wexy, equivalent to wax (“soft oily substance”) + -y.
From wax (“fit of anger”) + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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