ambergris
noun
am·ber·gris ˈam-bər-ˌgris 
-ˌgrē(s)
: a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Woody cedar and ambergris ground this perfume for a masculine finish. 
The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 May 2022 The delicate top notes of cedrat and ginger mix with a sensual base of Le Labo’s trademark ambergris, musk, and wood. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Mar. 2022 Think of whales and ambergris in the 19th-century on Earth, only vastly more precious. BostonGlobe.com, 21 Oct. 2021 Even the term ambergris is the result of a misunderstanding. Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Sep. 2021 Fittingly, the scent by perfumer Daniela Andrier heads in an unexpected direction with green tangerine, vanilla, purses, and Amberfix, a synthetic ambergris note merging into a surreal blend that takes the idea of perfume and turns it on its head. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2021 With striking notes of jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and ambergris Baccarat Rouge 540 sits at the perfect intersection of light and airy yet intense and musky. Tatjana Freund, Marie Claire, 30 Oct. 2020 Today, ambergris is only found in one of about 100 sperm whales, and their population is in steady decline. Kate Sullivan, refinery29.com, 20 Mar. 2020 Apart According to the outlet, local government officials will find Boonrith later this month to determine if the mass is, in fact, ambergris and to figure out how much the lump may be worth. Georgia Slater, PEOPLE.com, 14 Nov. 2019 See More
The Salt Lake Tribune, 18 May 2022 The delicate top notes of cedrat and ginger mix with a sensual base of Le Labo’s trademark ambergris, musk, and wood. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Mar. 2022 Think of whales and ambergris in the 19th-century on Earth, only vastly more precious. BostonGlobe.com, 21 Oct. 2021 Even the term ambergris is the result of a misunderstanding. Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Sep. 2021 Fittingly, the scent by perfumer Daniela Andrier heads in an unexpected direction with green tangerine, vanilla, purses, and Amberfix, a synthetic ambergris note merging into a surreal blend that takes the idea of perfume and turns it on its head. Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 8 Apr. 2021 With striking notes of jasmine, saffron, cedarwood, and ambergris Baccarat Rouge 540 sits at the perfect intersection of light and airy yet intense and musky. Tatjana Freund, Marie Claire, 30 Oct. 2020 Today, ambergris is only found in one of about 100 sperm whales, and their population is in steady decline. Kate Sullivan, refinery29.com, 20 Mar. 2020 Apart According to the outlet, local government officials will find Boonrith later this month to determine if the mass is, in fact, ambergris and to figure out how much the lump may be worth. Georgia Slater, PEOPLE.com, 14 Nov. 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English ambregris, from Middle French ambre gris, from ambre + gris gray — more at grizzle
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
ambergris
noun
am·ber·gris ˈam-bər-ˌgris -ˌgrē(s)
-ˌgrē(s) : a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative