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  

/ -ˈsiːtɪ, ˌspɜːməˈsɛtɪ /

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

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

It is very pure, and extensively used for machinery, lamps, and most of the purposes for which olive or spermaceti oils are used.

From Domestic Animals History and description of the horse, mule, cattle, sheep, swine, poultry and farm dogs; with directions for their management, breeding, crossing, rearing, feeding, and preparation for a profitable market; also their diseases and remedies. Together with full directions for the management of the dairy. by Allen, Richard L.