| ambergris | A substance of the consistence of wax, found floating in the Indian Ocean and other parts of the tropics, and also as a morbid secretion in the intestines of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus), which is believed to be in all cases its true origin. In colour it is white, ash-gray, yellow, or black, and often variegated like marble. The floating masses are sometimes from sixty to two hundred and twenty-five pounds in weight. It is wholly volatilized as a white vapor at 212 deg Fahrenheit, and is highly valued in perfumery. Origin: F. Ambre gris, i. E, gray amber; F. Gris gray, which is of German origin: cf. OS. Gris, G. Greis, gray-haired. See Amber. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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