Wax is class of compounds that are melt-able solids near environment temperatures. This is include higher alkane and lipids, typically with melting point above about 50 C , melting to give low viscosity liquids. Waxes are insoluble in water but soluble in organic, non polar solvents. Natural waxes of different types are produced by plants and animals and occur in petroleum .

Wax is a general term used to refer to the mixture of long-chain lipids forming a protective coating on plant leaves and fruits but also in animals algae, fungi and bacteria.