spermaceti

American  

[spur-muh-set-ee, -see-tee] / ˌspɜr məˈsɛt i, -ˈsi ti /

noun

Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. 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.

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spermaceti British  

/ ˌspɜːməˈsɛtɪ, -ˈsiːtɪ /

noun

1. a white waxy substance obtained from oil from the head of the sperm whale: used in cosmetics, candles, ointments, etc

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spermaceti Scientific  

/ spûr′mə-sē′tē /

1. 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.

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Other Word Forms

• spermacetilike
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of spermaceti

1425–75; late Middle English sperma cete < Medieval Latin sperma cētī sperm of whale ( see sperm ¹, cet-)

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

spermaceti

Sperm whales derive their name from the waxy, liquid substance produced in their skulls by a massive biological structure called the spermaceti organ.

From Salon ● Aug. 23, 2024

The whales’ names are derived from a semi-liquid waxy substance found in their heads — known as spermaceti — that was once used for lubrication and lamp fuel, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 12, 2023

The prized waxy substance found in their heads, spermaceti, was used in oil lamps, lubricants and candles.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 16, 2023

We “harvested” sperm whale oil for lighting, lubrication or cosmetics – the “cold cream” on my mother’s face when I kissed her goodnight contained spermaceti.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 5, 2018

In the improved lights the best spermaceti oil and the Argand lamp have been introduced.

From Smeaton and Lighthouses A Popular Biography, with an Historical Introduction and Sequel by John Smeaton