Ambergris is a waxy substance produced by sperm whales. It is used to make some perfumes.
ambergris in British English
(ˈæmbəˌɡriːs, -ˌɡrɪs)
noun
a waxy substance consisting mainly of cholesterol secreted by the intestinal tract of the sperm whale and often found floating in the sea: used in the manufacture of perfumes
Word origin
C15: from Old French ambre gris grey amber
ambergris in American English
(ˈæmbərˌgris; ˈæmbərˌgrɪs)
noun
a grayish, waxy substance from the intestines of sperm whales, often found floating in tropical seas
used in some perfumes
Word origin
ME ambregris < OFr ambre gris < ambre (see amber) + gris < Frank *grīs, akin to MHG, OS, Du gris, gray