ˈambə(r)ˌgris, ˈaam-, -ˌgrēs, -_grə̇s sometimes -ˌgrē noun
also am·ber·grease -ˌgrēs
( plural ambergrises also ambergreases )
Etymology: ambergris from Middle English ambregris, from Middle French ambre gris, from ambre ambergris, amber + gris gray; ambergrease by folk etymology from ambergris — more at amber , grizzle
: a white, ash-gray, yellow, or black and often variegated substance having a characteristic odor and the consistency of wax, found floating in or on the shores of the Indian ocean and other tropical waters, believed to originate as an accumulation in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative