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spermaceti
[ spur-muh-set-ee, -see-tee ]
noun
, Chemistry, Pharmacology.
- 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
- 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 /
- 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.
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Other Words From
- sperma·ceti·like adjective
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Word History and Origins
Origin of spermaceti1
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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
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Example Sentences
Spermaceti is a perfectly definite chemical body, which can be recognised without chance of error.
From Project Gutenberg
Spermaceti is pulverised as camphor, by the aid of a few drops of spirit.
From Project Gutenberg
Spermaceti candles of definite size form the measure of electric light, giving rise to the phrase "of so many candle-power."
From Project Gutenberg
Spermaceti, the solid waxy body carried round in the Cachalot's head in solution, is a valuable whale-product.
From Project Gutenberg
Spermaceti is identical in its physical properties with paraffine, and the latter is now almost universally its substitute.
From Project Gutenberg
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