spermaceti

[ spur-muh-set-ee, -see-tee ]

noun

, Chemistry, Pharmacology.

1. a pearly white, waxy, translucent solid, obtained from the oil in the head of the sperm whale: used chiefly in cosmetics and candles, and as an emollient.

spermaceti

/ -ˈsiːtɪ; ˌspɜːməˈsɛtɪ /

noun

1. a white waxy substance obtained from oil from the head of the sperm whale: used in cosmetics, candles, ointments, etc

spermaceti

/ spûr′mə-sē′tē /

1. A white, waxy substance that is obtained from the head of the sperm whale and sometimes other whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and was once widely used to make candles, ointments, and cosmetics. Spermaceti is a liquid at body temperature and consists primarily of fatty alcohols and esters of fatty acids. Spermaceti is produced by the spermaceti organ, a huge melon-shaped sac that may function as a battering ram in aggressive behavior between males.

Other Words From

• sperma·ceti·like adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spermaceti¹

1425–75; late Middle English sperma cete < Medieval Latin sperma cētī sperm of whale ( sperm ¹, cet- )

Word History and Origins

Origin of spermaceti¹

C15: from Medieval Latin sperma cētī whale's sperm, from sperma sperm ¹+ Latin cētus whale, from Greek kētos

Example Sentences

Sperm whales derive their name from the waxy, liquid substance produced in their skulls by a massive biological structure called the spermaceti organ.

From Salon

They were nearly decimated by the whaling industry in the 19th and 20th centuries because of the prized waxy substance found in their heads, spermaceti, that was used in oil lamps, lubricants and candles.

From Seattle Times

The whales’ names are derived from a semi-liquid waxy substance found in their heads — known as spermaceti — that was once used for lubrication and lamp fuel, according to the National Wildlife Federation.

From Los Angeles Times

The prized waxy substance found in their heads, spermaceti, was used in oil lamps, lubricants and candles.

From Seattle Times

One favorite additive was “spermaceti,” which comes from the head of the sperm whale, Lawson says.

From Los Angeles Times