Ambergris

['æmbəgrɪs;-iːs] or ['æmbɚ,gris]

Definition

(noun.) waxy substance secreted by the sperm whale and found floating at sea or washed ashore; used in perfume.

Edited by Caleb--From WordNet

Definition

(n.) A substance of the consistence of wax, found floating in the Indian Ocean and other parts of the tropics, and also as a morbid secretion in the intestines of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), which is believed to be in all cases its true origin. In color it is white, ash-gray, yellow, or black, and often variegated like marble. The floating masses are sometimes from sixty to two hundred and twenty-five pounds in weight. It is wholly volatilized as a white vapor at 212¡ Fahrenheit, and is highly valued in perfumery.

Typed by Jolin

Definition

n. a fragrant substance of an ash-gray colour found floating on the sea or on the seacoast of warm countries and in the intestines of the spermaceti whale.

Checker: Lorrie