Basic Terms
Candle - one or more combustible wicks supported by a material that constitutes a fuel which is solid, semi-solid, or quasi-rigid at room temperature, 68 Fahrenheit to 80 Fahrenheit (20 Celsius to 26 Celsius); it can also contain additives which are used for color, odor, stability, or to modify the burning characteristics; the combined function of which is to sustain a light-producing flame.
Wax - A fuel that burns in the flame of a candle. There are waxes from animal, vegetable, and mineral (petroleum) sources. For more information on wax go here.
Beeswax - This wax is a secretion of honeybees. They use it to build the combs where they store their honey and incubate their larvae. When beekeepers remove the honey for processing, they melt down the wax and sell it in blocks for cosmetics and candle makers.
Wick - In taper candles the wick is the structure which supports the first layers of wax that create the candle. In all candles it acts as a fuel pump, supplying liquefied wax up to the top where it fuels the flame. For more information on the wick go here.
Votive Holder - A small open vessel designed to hold a votive or tea light candle during use. The votive holder must be capable of containing the melted candle.
