Advertisement
Advertisement
ambergris
[ am-ber-grees, -gris ]
noun
- an opaque, ash-colored secretion of the sperm whale intestine, usually found floating on the ocean or cast ashore: used in perfumery.
ambergris
/ ˈæmbəˌɡriːs; -ˌɡrɪs /
noun
- 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
ambergris
/ ăm′bər-grĭs′,-grēs′ /
- 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.
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of ambergris1
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of ambergris1
Discover More
Example Sentences
Oriental ambergris to put in the kings food and in his claret was another expensive item.
It may be noted that both the Malays and the Chinese attribute the origin of ambergris to either a sea-dragon or a sea-serpent.
Bring wine and essences, electuaries and ambergris, if the refectioner have any with him.
Turn a pint of alcohol slowly on to an ounce and a half of the oil of lavender, two drachms of ambergris.
Swimming out in the salt water, the mermaids would go in quest of pearls, coral, ambergris and other pretty things.
Advertisement
Word of the Day
[gal-uh-maw-free ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse