/seet"n/ , n. Biochem.
a white, crystalline, water-insoluble fat, C 32 H 64 O 2 , obtained from spermaceti by extraction with ether: used chiefly as an emulsive agent in the manufacture of pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and as a base in the manufacture of candles and soaps. Also called cetyl palmitate .
[ CET- + -IN 2 ]