spermaceti


sper·ma·ce·ti

noun \ˌspər-mə-ˈsē-tē, -ˈse-\

Definition of SPERMACETI

: a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used especially formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles

Origin of SPERMACETI

Middle English sperma cete, from Medieval Latin sperma ceti whale sperm
First Known Use: 15th century

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