Main Entry: sper·ma·ce·ti

Pronunciation: \ˌspər-mə-ˈsē-tē, -ˈse-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English sperma cete, from Medieval Latin sperma ceti whale sperm

Date: 15th century

: 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