spermaceti noun. [spǝ:mǝ'si:ti, -'sɛti] L15.
[medieval Latin, formed as SPERM + ceti genit. of cetus, Greek kētos whale (from its appearance or the belief that it represents whale-spawn).]
A soft white waxy substance used in the manufacture of candles, ointments, etc., found in the sperm whale and some other cetaceans, chiefly in a rounded organ in the head which focuses acoustic signals and aids control of buoyancy.

Attrib. & comb.:
In the sense 'made or consisting of spermaceti', as spermaceti candle, spermaceti oil, etc.; spermaceti whale (now rare) = SPERM WHALE.

■ spermacetic adjective (rare) E20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲