sperm oil

noun

Chemistry.

1. a yellow, thin, water-insoluble liquid obtained from the sperm whale, used chiefly as a lubricant in light machinery, as watches, clocks, and scientific apparatus.

sperm oil

noun

1. an oil obtained from the head of the sperm whale, used as a lubricant

Word History and Origins

Origin of sperm oil¹

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

And no, I'm not suggesting that we go back to burning sperm oil.

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“Squeeze! squeeze! squeeze!” he writes, in “Moby-Dick,” about pressing the lumps out of sperm oil.

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The tables include name of the vessel, its class, tonnage, captain, managing owner, whaling ground, date of sailing and arrival, sperm oil / whale oil / whalebone barrels and pounds.

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An excellent polishing composition is formed of water 1 gill, sperm oil 3 drops, and sufficient Vienna lime to well whiten the mixture.

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In August following arrived the "Romulus," with 170 bbls. sperm oil.

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