spermaceti
a pearly white, waxy, translucent solid, obtained from the oil in the head of the sperm whale: used chiefly in cosmetics and candles, and as an emollient.
Origin of spermaceti
1- Also called cetaceum.
Other words from spermaceti
- sper·ma·cet·i·like, adjective
Words Nearby spermaceti
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use spermaceti in a sentence
spermaceti is a perfectly definite chemical body, which can be recognised without chance of error.
More Science From an Easy Chair | Sir E. Ray (Edwin Ray) Lankesterspermaceti is pulverised as camphor, by the aid of a few drops of spirit.
Cooley's Practical Receipts, Volume II | Arnold Cooleyspermaceti candles of definite size form the measure of electric light, giving rise to the phrase "of so many candle-power."
The New North | Agnes Deans Cameronspermaceti, the solid waxy body carried round in the Cachalot's head in solution, is a valuable whale-product.
The New North | Agnes Deans Cameronspermaceti is identical in its physical properties with paraffine, and the latter is now almost universally its substitute.
Commercial Geography | Jacques W. Redway
British Dictionary definitions for spermaceti
/ (ˌspɜːməˈsɛtɪ, -ˈsiːtɪ) /
a white waxy substance obtained from oil from the head of the sperm whale: used in cosmetics, candles, ointments, etc
Origin of spermaceti
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for spermaceti
[ spûr′mə-sē′tē ]
A white, waxy substance that is obtained from the head of the sperm whale and sometimes other whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and was once widely used to make candles, ointments, and cosmetics. Spermaceti is a liquid at body temperature and consists primarily of fatty alcohols and esters of fatty acids. Spermaceti is produced by the spermaceti organ, a huge melon-shaped sac that may function as a battering ram in aggressive behavior between males.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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