Definition

Noun: A solid, adhesive substance made of resin and other materials that becomes soft and malleable when heated. It is used to create an official or decorative seal on documents, parcels, or letters, which hardens upon cooling to secure and authenticate the item.

Usage

"Sealing wax" is used as a non-count noun. It refers to the material itself. You use it to describe the act of applying the wax or the wax's presence. * The clerk melted the sealing wax to close the envelope. * An old letter with a blob of red sealing wax was found in the drawer. * Sealing wax was essential for security before modern envelopes.

Examples

• For important correspondence, he always used sealing wax stamped with his family crest.
• The antique desk set included a stick of sealing wax and a brass seal.
• The treaty bore the official sealing wax of three different kingdoms.

Advanced Usage

• "to set one's seal in wax": To officially authorize or finalize something, often with a literal or figurative seal.
  • The agreement was set in sealing wax, making it binding.
• "under seal": A formal phrase indicating a document has been officially closed with a wax seal.
  • The will was delivered to the court under seal.

Variants and Related Words

• Seal (noun): The distinctive design or impression made in the wax. (e.g., )
• Seal (verb): The act of closing or securing with sealing wax. (e.g., )
• Wafer seal: A modern, pre-gummed paper disc that mimics the appearance of a wax seal, often used for decorative purposes on invitations.

Synonyms

• Stamp wax
• Letter wax

Related Phrases

• To affix a seal: To apply a wax seal to something.
  • The notary public will affix her seal to the certified copy.
• The seal is broken: Indicates that a wax seal has been damaged or opened, often implying the contents are no longer guaranteed to be private or untouched.
  • We cannot accept the document; the seal is broken.

Noun

1. fastener consisting of a resinous composition that is plastic when warm; used for sealing documents and parcels and letters