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spermacetilike

 - 3 dictionary results

sper⋅ma⋅cet⋅i

  [spur-muh-set-ee, -see-tee]
Use spermacetilike in a Sentence
–noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.
a pearly white, waxy, translucent solid, obtained from the oil in the head of the sperm whale: used chiefly in cosmetics and candles, and as an emollient.
Also called cetaceum.

Origin:
1425–75; late ME sperma cete < ML sperma cētī sperm of whale (see sperm 1 , cet- )

Related forms:
sper⋅ma⋅cet⋅i⋅like, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: sper·ma·ce·ti
Pronunciation: "sp&r-m&-'sEt-E, -'set-
Function: noun
: a waxy solid obtained from the oil ofcetaceans and especially sperm whales and used in pharmacology as a constituent of ointments
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Science Dictionary
spermaceti   (spûr'mə-sē'tē)  Pronunciation Key 
A white, waxy substance that is obtained from the head of the sperm whale and sometimes other whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and was once widely used to make candles, ointments, and cosmetics. Spermaceti is a liquid at body temperature and consists primarily of fatty alcohols and esters of fatty acids. Spermaceti is produced by the spermaceti organ, a huge melon-shaped sac that may function as a battering ram in aggressive behavior between males.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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