cetyl alcohol
noun
ce·tyl alcohol ˈsē-tᵊl- 
: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Fatty alcohols, like cetyl alcohol, do just the opposite. 
Devon Abelman, Allure, 17 July 2021 But fear not, cetyl alcohol is nothing of the sort. Devon Abelman, Allure, 17 July 2021
Devon Abelman, Allure, 17 July 2021 But fear not, cetyl alcohol is nothing of the sort. Devon Abelman, Allure, 17 July 2021 Word History
Etymology
International Scientific Vocabulary cet- (from Latin cetus whale) + -yl; from its occurrence in spermaceti
First Known Use
1863, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
cetyl alcohol
noun
: a waxy crystalline alcohol C16H34O obtained by the saponification of spermaceti or the hydrogenation of palmitic acid and used especially in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations and in making detergents