ambergris

American  

[am-ber-grees, -gris] / ˈæm bərˌgris, -grɪs /

noun

1. an opaque, ash-colored secretion of the sperm whale intestine, usually found floating on the ocean or cast ashore: used in perfumery.

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ambergris British  

/ -ˌɡrɪs, ˈæmbəˌɡriːs /

noun

1. a waxy substance consisting mainly of cholesterol secreted by the intestinal tract of the sperm whale and often found floating in the sea: used in the manufacture of perfumes

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ambergris Scientific  

/ ăm′bər-grĭs′,-grēs′ /

1. A yellow, gray, or black waxy material formed in the intestines of sperm whales that consists of a mixture of steroid derivatives. It is often found floating at sea or washed ashore, has a pleasant odor, and is added to perfumes as a fixative to slow down the rate of evaporation.

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Etymology

Origin of ambergris

1375–1425; < Middle French ambre gris gray amber ( see amber); replacing late Middle English imbergres

Example Sentences

During her bail hearing, it was revealed that Hartin and Mr Jemmott were at a party together in Ambergris Caye on the night of his death.

From BBC • Apr. 26, 2023

Einer Gomez, the assistant manager at Ramon’s Village Resort in San Pedro on Ambergris Caye, just off the coast of Belize, said a light rain had started to fall and there was some storm surge.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 2, 2022

Ambergris can be carried by ocean waves for a hundred years or more before washing up on the shore and being bottled.

From Salon • Apr. 30, 2022

El Pescador Resort, 2.6 Miles North, San Pedro Town, Ambergris Caye; 011-501-226-2398, [email protected]; lodging, meals and guided fishing from $1,890 for three nights and two days.

From New York Times • Apr. 5, 2017

Ambergris is mentioned by Burton among miscellaneous exports, but it is not now of any consequence.

From The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 2 by Yule, Henry