sperm-whale

A sperm-whale swims in the deep blue ocean.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large toothed whale: "sperm-whale" refers to a marine mammal of the genus Physeter, specifically Physeter macrocephalus. It is known for its massive head, which contains a large cavity filled with spermaceti oil, historically used in candles and lubricants. The name derives from the mistaken belief that this oil was whale sperm.

Usage Examples

Advanced Usage

• "sperm-whale oil": the high-quality oil extracted from the head of the sperm-whale, historically valuable for its lubricating and illuminating properties.

  • Before petroleum became common, sperm-whale oil was prized for use in lamps and machinery.

• "sperm-whale ivory": the hard, dense material from the teeth of the sperm-whale, used for carving ornamental objects.

  • The scrimshaw on display was crafted from sperm-whale ivory by 19th-century sailors.

Variants and Related Words

• Spermaceti (n): a waxy substance found in the head of the sperm-whale.

  • Spermaceti was once used to make high-quality candles that burned without smoke.

• Cachalot (n): an alternative name for the sperm-whale, derived from French and Portuguese.

  • The cachalot is known for its distinctive block-shaped head.

Synonyms

• Cachalot: a synonym for sperm-whale, especially in scientific or literary contexts.
• Great sperm-whale: a less common term emphasizing its size.

Related Idioms

• "Whale of a time": an idiom meaning to have a very enjoyable experience (not directly related to sperm-whale, but uses "whale" figuratively).
  • We had a whale of a time on the whale-watching tour, spotting a sperm-whale.