cachalot

[ kash-uh-lot, -loh ]

noun

1. sperm whale.

cachalot

/ ˈkæʃəˌlɒt /

noun

1. another name for sperm whale

Word History and Origins

Origin of cachalot¹

1740–50; < French ≪ Portuguese cacholote, equivalent to cachol ( a ) pate, noggin (of obscure origin) + -ote augmentative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of cachalot¹

C18: from French, from Portuguese, cachalote, of unknown origin

Example Sentences

Bits of the bones of the gigantic squid on which the cachalot feeds.

From Project Gutenberg

The male cachalot has a larger head than that of the female, and it no doubt aids these animals in their aquatic battles.

From Project Gutenberg

This morning we raised fish, a big school of cachalot, about three mile to leeward.

From Project Gutenberg

The crane itself consisted of the long iron arrow and socket of one of the harpoons found in the carcass of the cachalot.

From Project Gutenberg

M. Pomel, whom I cited above, believed it to come from the brain of the whale called "cachalot."

From Project Gutenberg