n.
Pronunciation: ˌ sp ə r-m ə - ' s ē -t ē , - ' se-
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English sperma cete, from Medieval Latin sperma ceti whale sperm
Date: 15th century
: a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used especially formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles