Main Entry: am·ber·gris

Pronunciation: \ˈam-bər-ˌgris, -ˌgrē(s)\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English ambregris, from Middle French ambre gris, from ambre + gris gray — more at grizzle

Date: 15th century

: a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative