A wick is a thin piece of material, often made of cotton or other fibers, that draws liquid, such as wax or oil, upward through capillary action. Wicks are commonly used in candles, oil lamps, and some types of incense. When the wick is lit, the heat melts the surrounding wax or oil, allowing it to be drawn up the wick and burned to produce light. In addition to their use in lighting, wicks can also be found in various devices like oil lamps and scented candles. The design and size of a wick can affect how well it burns, influencing factors like flame height and burn time. Proper wick selection is essential for optimal performance in these applications.