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  

/ ˈæmbəˌɡriːs, -ˌɡrɪs /

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ambergris

Encased in a glossy black glass vessel, Owens’ candle is a mysterious blend of labdanum, myrrh, frankincense and ambergris.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 2, 2025

Unlike earlier consecration oils, no ambergris — a product of whale intestine — was used, making the oil “vegan-friendly” according to media reports.

From Washington Times ● Apr. 30, 2023

There will be music, readings and the ritual of anointing the new monarch, using oils of orange, roses, cinnamon, musk and ambergris.

From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2022

Fittingly, like the ambergris in Memento Mori, the scent of Oud is the scent of a wound.

From Salon ● Apr. 30, 2022

Dad would rub imaginary spray out of his eyes, and scan the horizon for possible sperm whale, Flying Dutchmen, or floating ambergris.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

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