- sperm oil
- nounan animal oil found in the blubber of the sperm whale• Hypernyms: ↑animal oil
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nounEtymology: so called from its being found in the sperm whale: a pale yellow oil that is found with spermaceti in the head cavities and blubber of the sperm whale, is classed chemically as a liquid wax, and is used chiefly as a lubricant (as for light machinery)* * *
Chem.a yellow, thin, water-insoluble liquid obtained from the sperm whale, used chiefly as a lubricant in light machinery, as watches, clocks, and scientific apparatus.[1820-30]* * *
sperm oil nounOil from the sperm whale• • •Main Entry: ↑sperm* * *
sperm oil,a light-yellow oil from the head of the sperm whale, used for lubricating delicate mechanisms.* * *
n. an oil found with spermaceti in the head of the sperm whale, used formerly as a lubricant
Useful english dictionary. 2012.