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

/ ˈæmbəˌɡriːs; -ˌɡrɪs /

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

Oriental ambergris to put in the kings food and in his claret was another expensive item.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

Bring wine and essences, electuaries and ambergris, if the refectioner have any with him.

From Project Gutenberg

Turn a pint of alcohol slowly on to an ounce and a half of the oil of lavender, two drachms of ambergris.

From Project Gutenberg

Swimming out in the salt water, the mermaids would go in quest of pearls, coral, ambergris and other pretty things.

From Project Gutenberg