ozocerite, ozokerit(e Min.
(əʊˈzɒsəraɪt, əʊˈzəʊkərɪt, -aɪt; əʊzəʊˈsɪəraɪt, -ˈkɪəraɪt)
[a. Ger. ozokerit (Glocker, 1833), arbitrarily f. Gr. ὄζ-ειν to smell (ὄζω I smell) + κηρός bees-wax + -ite1.]
A wax-like fossil resin, of brownish-yellow colour and aromatic odour; a mixture of natural hydrocarbons, occurring in some bituminous coal-measure shales and sandstones. Also called native paraffin, mineral tallow, or mineral wax.
Originally found by Meyer in Moldavia; subsequently in Galicia and other countries. Used to make candles, and for insulating electrical conductors, etc.
| 1837 Dana Min. 441 Ozokerite, a variety of black bitumen lately discovered by Meyer. 1846 Worcester, Ozocerite, a mineral resembling resinous wax in consistence and translucency. 1884 Blackw. Mag. Sept. 341/2 The ozokerite or earth wax of Galicia is found in great abundance. |
| attrib. 1871 Scoffern in Belgravia Mag. Feb. 450 An entirely new source of candle-making material has been developed, from the exploration of the ozokerit mines bordering the Caspian Sea. 1885 W. L. Carpenter Soap, Candles etc. 328 Ozokerit Candles. |
Hence oˈzocerited, oˈzokerited ppl. a., covered or treated with ozocerite, as ozocerited core. (U.S.)