waxy
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.
“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.”
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.