am·ber·gris ( m b r-gr s , -gr s)n. A waxy grayish substance formed in the intestines of sperm whales and found floating at sea or washed ashore. It is added to perfumes to slow down the rate of evaporation. [Middle English, from Old French ambre gris : ambre, amber; see amber + gris, gray; see grisaille.] |
ambergris [ˈæmbəˌgriːs -ˌgrɪs]
n
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) a waxy substance consisting mainly of cholesterol secreted by the intestinal tract of the sperm whale and often found floating in the sea: used in the manufacture of perfumes
[from Old French ambre gris grey amber]
| ambergris (mbr-grs, -grs) A yellow, gray, or black waxy material formed in the intestines of sperm whales that consists of a mixture of steroid derivatives. It is often found floating at sea or washed ashore, has a pleasant odor, and is added to perfumes as a fixative to slow down the rate of evaporation. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | ambergris - waxy substance secreted by the sperm whale and found floating at sea or washed ashore; used in perfume animal product - a product made from animal material |
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