French word

cire

Pronunciation

IPA/siʁ/

Meaning

  • feminine nounwax

Example

La cire fond si on la met près du feu.

Wax melts if it is put near the fire.

Illustration for cire (wax)

More examples

On utilise de la cire d'abeille pour fabriquer des bougies.

Beeswax is used to make candles.

Core concept

A block or spreadable layer of wax used to seal, protect, or shine wood, floors, leather, and similar surfaces.

Common phrases

  • cire d'abeille

    beeswax

  • appliquer de la cire

    apply wax

  • une couche de cire

    a layer of wax

Similar words

cirage: A product for polishing leather goods while adding shine, protection, and water resistance.
vernis: A coating for wood or metal that dries to a hard, glossy, durable film.
bougie: A wax product with a wick, made to provide light when lit.

Definition in French

Matière grasse et solide, souvent issue de la cire d'abeille ou fabriquée industriellement, employée pour cirer, protéger ou donner de la brillance.

Word origin

The French noun cire descends from Latin cera through Old French, while modern industry broadened its range beyond traditional beeswax.

Usage tips

  • The related verb cirer means to apply wax or polish, as in cirer un meuble for treating a piece of furniture.

Other meanings

  • polishnoun

Related words

  • cirerwaxverb
  • ciréwaxedadjective
  • cirageshoe polishnoun

Word lists with this word