ambergris

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am·ber·gris

(am'bĕr-gris), The s in this word is not silent.

A grayish pathologic secretion from the intestine of the sperm whale that occurs as a flammable waxy mass (melting point about 60°C), insoluble in water; contains cholesterol and benzoic acid; used as a base for perfume.

[Mod. L. ambra grisea, gray amber]

ambergris

a substance, used in the manufacture of perfume, found in the alimentary canal of sperm whales in the form of a grey waxy secretion.

ambergris

a solid, gray intestinal concretion of sperm whales. It has an unpleasant odor but is very valuable in the formulation of expensive perfumes. Is found floating free after evacuation.