spermaceti Hear it!

spermaceti Definition

sper·ma·ceti (spʉr′mə sēt′ī′, -sēt′ē; --set′-)

noun

a white, waxlike substance taken from the oil in the head of a sperm whale or dolphin, used in making cosmetics, ointments, candles, etc.

Etymology: ML sperma ceti, lit., whale sperm < LL sperma, sperm + L ceti, gen. of cetus, whale < Gr kētos

spermaceti Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • synthetic: Alternatives: vegetable cetyl alcohol ( e.g. , coconut ), synthetic spermaceti.

Modifies a noun

  • oil: About 1877, paraffin oil replaced the use of spermaceti oil.