Spanish word

cera

Pronunciation

IPA/ˈθeɾa/

Meaning

  • feminine nounwax

Example

La vela está hecha de cera.

The candle is made of wax.

Illustration for cera (wax)

More examples

Cuidado al derretir la cera para no quemarte.

Be careful when melting the wax so you don't burn yourself.

Core concept

Waxy solid used for candles, polishing, and personal-care products.

Common phrases

  • quitar la cera

    remove the wax

  • derretir la cera

    melt the wax

  • barra de cera

    wax stick

Similar words

parafina: Appears pale and artificial and is used as a hard wax for candles and industrial products.
cera depilatoria: Becomes sticky when warmed and is applied to skin then removed to pull out hair.
cera de abeja: Occurs as a yellowish natural wax produced by bees and used traditionally for candles and polishes.

Definition in Spanish

Material ceroso que suele presentarse sólido a temperatura ambiente, se ablanda con el calor y se emplea para abrillantar, proteger o fabricar objetos como velas y productos de cuidado personal.

Word origin

Derives from Latin cēra, originally meaning beeswax and preserved in modern Spanish as the general word for wax.

Usage tips

  • The verb encerar means to wax or polish, so encerar el coche means to wax the car.

Related words

Word lists with this word