white wax

The story

1. Chinese · borrowed from白蠟 /白蜡“white wax”
2. English todaywhite wax

In reference to Chinese wax, a calque of Chinese 白蠟 /白蜡 (báilà, “white wax”).

Words from the same roots

First known use, by meaning

• 15th cent. Synonym of beeswax, when purified or bleached to a white color, particularly for candles or medicine.