cachalot
/'kæʃəlɔt/
Definition
- Noun:
- A large whale with a large cavity in its head containing spermaceti and oil; also a source of ambergris: The "cachalot" is a specific type of large whale, scientifically known as the sperm whale. It is characterized by its massive head, which contains a reservoir of a waxy substance called spermaceti and oil. This whale is also historically valued as a source of ambergris, a substance used in perfumery.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The cachalot is known for its deep diving abilities.
- In the 19th century, whalers hunted the cachalot for its spermaceti oil.
- Ambergris, a valuable product from the cachalot, was found washed ashore.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific context: The term "cachalot" is often used in zoological, marine biology, and historical whaling contexts to refer specifically to the sperm whale ().
- The study focused on the echolocation clicks of the cachalot.
Variants and Related Words
- Sperm whale: This is the more common modern name for the "cachalot." The terms are synonyms.
- The sperm whale, or cachalot, is the largest toothed predator.
Synonyms
- Sperm whale: The primary and most widely used synonym.
- Physeter macrocephalus: The scientific (Latin) name for the species.
Noun
-
large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and oil; also a source of ambergris
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