ambergris

am·ber·gris   (ām'bər-grĭs', -grēs')    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.]

Main Entry: am·ber·gris
Pronunciation: 'am-b&r-"gris, -"grE(s)
Function: noun
: a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores oftropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative

ambergris   (ām'bər-grĭs', -grēs')  Pronunciation Key  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.