BEES' WAX
\bˈiːz wˈaks], \bˈiːz wˈaks], \b_ˈiː_z w_ˈa_k_s]\
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A yellowish or brownish concrete substance deposited by the honey-bee in the honeycomb. It dissolves in boiling alcohol and sparingly in ether, and melts at 63 C. It consists essentially of myricin, cerotic acid, and cerolein. When bleached, it forms the cera alba, when unbleached, the cera flava of the U. S. Ph. and Br. Ph.
By Smith Ely Jelliffe
