beeswax

[beez-waks] /ˈbizˌwæks/
noun
1.
wax1 (def 1).
verb (used with object)
2.
to rub or treat with beeswax.
Origin
1670-80; bee1 + 's1 + wax1
Examples from the web for beeswax
  • And then there are wildlife products, such as beeswax.
  • Some communities are deriving additional income by producing beeswax candles and other products.
  • Look for crayons made from beeswax and infused with natural dyes.
  • Honeybee hives have long provided humans with honey and beeswax.
  • Buy beeswax crayons and water-based markers, paint and glue.
  • Burning pure soy and beeswax candles with cotton wicks helps to clear the air.
  • In return for their work, the residents get the honey and beeswax from the hives, both desirable products.
  • It also has projects using beeswax and cooking with honey.
  • More beeswax and cocoa butter will make a stiffer salve.
  • But trials with materials from margarine to beeswax all disappointed.
British Dictionary definitions for beeswax

beeswax

/ˈbiːzˌwæks/
noun
1.
  1. a yellowish or dark brown wax secreted by honeybees for constructing honeycombs
  2. this wax after refining, purifying, etc, used in polishes, ointments, and for modelling
verb
2.
(transitive) to polish with such wax
Word Origin and History for beeswax
n.

1670s, from genitive of bee + wax. As a jocular alteration of business (usually in an injunction to someone to mind his own) attested from 1934 in Lower East Side slang as reproduced in Henry Roth's "Call It Sleep."

Slang definitions & phrases for beeswax

beeswax

noun

Business; concern: If they did, that's theirown beeswax (1940s+)