ambergris

[ am-ber-grees, -gris ]

noun

1. an opaque, ash-colored secretion of the sperm whale intestine, usually found floating on the ocean or cast ashore: used in perfumery.

ambergris

/ -ˌɡrɪs; ˈæmbəˌɡriːs /

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

ambergris

/ 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambergris¹

1375–1425; < Middle French ambre gris gray amber ( amber ); replacing late Middle English imbergres

Word History and Origins

Origin of ambergris¹

C15: from Old French ambre gris grey amber

Example Sentences

His first fragrance was Davidoff’s Cool Water — a cult classic masculine marine fragrance with notes of rosemary, sea water and ambergris.

From Los Angeles Times

Infused with citrus peel, jasmine, vanilla, musk and ambergris, chocolate was an expensive commodity, and chocolate houses often charged an entry fee.

From BBC

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

Previously it contained animal products like civet oil and ambergris, which is found in sperm whales, but this vegan and cruelty-free version is made partly from olives.

From BBC

Previous versions have included civet oil, from the glands of the small mammals, and ambergris from the intestines of whales.

From BBC