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spermaceti |
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spermaceti (spûr`məsē`tē), solid waxy substance, white, odorless, and tasteless, separated from the oils obtained from the sperm whale (see sperm oil sperm oil, liquid wax obtained from the sperm whale, or cachalot, and related marine mammals. It flows readily, is clear, and varies in color from pale yellow to brownish yellow. Chemically it is not a true oil. ..... Click the link for more information. ) and other marine mammals. A mixture of esters of fatty acids, it is composed chiefly of cetyl palmitate. Spermaceti is insoluble in water and does not putrefy. It is used mostly in ointments and cosmetics and in fine candles and was widely employed formerly as the waterproofing medium for oilskins. spermaceti a white waxy substance obtained from oil from the head of the sperm whale: used in cosmetics, candles, ointments, etc. How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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