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

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

From Project Gutenberg

But it may, perhaps, be significant that a cachalot was stranded off Sark on June 3.

From Project Gutenberg

Out came the head belonging to it, and a spout like an explosion burst forth, denoting the presence of an enormous bull-cachalot.

From Project Gutenberg

Except for the head work, removing the blubber was effected in precisely the same way as in the case of the cachalot.

From Project Gutenberg

The resultant oil, when recent, is of a clear white, unlike the golden-tinted fluid obtained from the cachalot.

From Project Gutenberg