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Meaning of AMBERGRIS

Pronunciation:  'ambur`grees

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: [n]  waxy substance secreted by the sperm whale and found floating at sea or washed ashore; used in perfume
 
 Websites: 
 
 See Also: animal product

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
\Am"ber*gris\, n. [F. ambre gris, i. e., gray amber;
F. gris gray, which is of German origin: cf. OS. gr[^i]s, G.
greis, gray-haired. See {Amber}.]
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 color 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. --Dana.
 
Thesaurus Terms
 
 Related Terms: ambrosia, aromatic, aromatic gum, aromatic water, attar, attar of roses, balm, balm of Gilead, balsam, bay oil, bergamot oil, champaca oil, civet, essence, essential oil, extract, fixative, heliotrope, jasmine oil, lavender oil, musk, myrcia oil, myrrh, parfum, perfume, perfumery, rose oil, scent, volatile oil
 

 

 

 

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