Definition

1. Noun:
   • A wax sculpture; an effigy (usually of a famous person) made of wax: A three-dimensional model or figure created from wax, often depicting a well-known individual for display.
   • A twining shrub of North America: A climbing plant native to North America, scientifically known as Celastrus scandens, which bears yellow capsules containing scarlet seeds. It is also commonly called "American bittersweet."

Examples

• Noun (Wax Figure):
  • The museum's most popular waxwork is a lifelike figure of the president.
  • Tourists flocked to see the waxworks of historical figures.
• Noun (Plant):
  • The waxwork is known for its vibrant fall berries.
  • We planted a waxwork to grow along the garden fence.

Advanced Usage

• "waxworks" (plural noun): Often used to refer to a museum or exhibition featuring a collection of wax figures.
  • We spent the afternoon at the famous waxworks on the pier.

Variants and Related Words

• Wax figure: A synonym for a wax sculpture or effigy.
• Wax museum: An institution that displays waxworks.
• American bittersweet: The common name for the plant.

Synonyms

• Effigy: A sculpture or model of a person (especially used for the wax figure meaning).
• Model: A three-dimensional representation.
• Creeper / Vine: A type of climbing plant (for the botanical meaning).

Related Phrases

• "as still as a waxwork": An idiom describing someone who is extremely motionless or stiff.
  • The guard stood as still as a waxwork.

Notes

The word "waxwork" has two distinct and unrelated meanings: one from the domain of art/sculpture and one from botany. The context of the sentence usually makes it clear which meaning is intended.

Noun

1. an effigy (usually of a famous person) made of wax
2. twining shrub of North America having yellow capsules enclosing scarlet seeds