Definition

The state or quality of having a smooth, shiny, and often soft surface like wax.

Example

The waxiness of the fruit made it look very appealing.

Conversation

Have you noticed the waxiness of the apples at the store lately?

Yeah, it's kind of strange how shiny they look.

I wonder if that's a sign of pesticides or something.

Could be! It's always good to wash them before eating.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Waxiness → It is formed from "wax" (from Old English "weax", meaning a substance that is pliable and can be molded) and "-iness" (meaning the quality of). The word "waxiness" refers to the quality of being wax-like or having the characteristics of wax.

Memory Tip

Think of the substance 'wax' which is pliable and smooth, and remember that 'waxiness' describes the quality of being like wax.

Visually Confused Words