Waxer

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An individual who applies wax to surfaces or hair for grooming, upkeep, or protection ; a device designed to coat surfaces, such as floors or skis, with wax for preservation or improved performance
2. Someone who uses wax to smooth, shine, or protect objects or skin ; a mechanical appliance used to evenly spread wax on items needing treatment or conditioning
3. A person who performs waxing by spreading wax for cosmetic or cleaning purposes ; a piece of equipment that waxes surfaces to enhance durability and appearance

Etymology: The word is a plain compound of "wax" and the agent suffix "-er," and its history is simple. "Wax" comes from Old English "weax," which traces back to a Proto-Germanic root shared with German "Wachs." The suffix "-er" comes from Old English "-ere," which itself descends from Latin "-arius" through Old French "-ier," so a waxer is, in effect, someone who does the job of "wax-" in the same way a baker or a brewer does their trade. The source also gives a second derivation: a waxer could be formed from "wax" meaning "to grow," which is the older verb underlying the noun "wax" in the sense of increasing in size, as in the moon waxing. Both routes produce the same suffix and the same modern sense of one who applies wax, so the surviving meaning reflects the substance rather than the growing verb.

Synonyms: depilator, hair remover, stylist, cosmetologist, beautician