rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryambergrisWhale-derived perfume substance
noun

ambergris

AM-ber-grees/ˈæmbərɡriːs/

A waxy substance from sperm whales used in perfume.

The exhibit displays a waxy piece of ambergris found on a beach.

A rough gray-brown waxy ambergris lump found on a beach beside seashells, distant sperm whale silhouette offshore for source context, no extraction or text.
Etymology
amberOld Frenchambergris
+grisOld Frenchgray

Old French ambre gris means “gray amber,” describing the waxy substance's ashy color. The color term distinguished it from the yellow fossil resin also called amber.

In context

Libranima80:19
ambergris is soft, waxy, and so highly fragrant and spicy, that it is largely used in perfumery
Moby Dick - Illustrated Audiobook for Focused Reading (Part 3/3)

More examples

  • The curator explains how ambergris was used in perfume.
  • Researchers identify the unusual lump as ambergris.
  • The historical recipe includes a trace of ambergris.

Similar words

fixative
Names a perfume function rather than this whale-derived material.