Chemicals and Drugs

Paraffin

A mixture of solid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It has a wide range of uses including as a stiffening agent in ointments, as a lubricant, and as a topical anti-inflammatory. It is also commonly used as an embedding material in histology.

National Library of MedicineMedical Subject Headings2026

Structured Summary

Abstract

A mixture of solid hydrocarbons obtained from petroleum. It has a wide range of uses including as a stiffening agent in ointments, as a lubricant, and as a topical anti-inflammatory. It is also commonly used as an embedding material in histology.

MeSH Record

Classification

Broader headings

Related Concepts

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MeSH Record

Synonyms

1 entry terms
  • Parafilm

MeSH Record

Aspects Covered

19 allowable subheadings

Indexed with the subheadings administration & dosage, adverse effects, analogs & derivatives, analysis, chemical synthesis, chemistry, classification, economics, history, isolation & purification, metabolism, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, poisoning, radiation effects, standards, supply & distribution, therapeutic use, toxicity.

MeSH Record

History Note

was in Cat D only 1963-82

MeSH Hierarchy

Tree Number

  1. D02w.455w.612w

AMA Style

References

  1. National Library of Medicine. Paraffin. Medical Subject Headings (MeSH). 2026. Unique ID D010232. http://id.nlm.nih.gov/mesh/2026/D010232
  2. Paraffin. In: Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraffin_wax
  3. Paraffin. In: Wikidata. https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q177540