First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
spermaceti
noun sper·ma·ce·ti \ˌspər-mə-ˈsē-tē, -ˈse-\
Definition of SPERMACETI
: a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used especially formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles
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Origin of SPERMACETI
Middle English sperma cete, from Medieval Latin sperma ceti whale sperm
Medical Dictionary
spermaceti
noun sper·ma·ce·ti \ˌspər-mə-ˈsēt-ē, -ˈset-\
Medical Definition of SPERMACETI
: a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially sperm whales and used especially formerly in pharmacology as a constituent of ointments
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