noun
- a waxy, grayish substance produced in the intestines of sperm whales, used in perfume and formerly in medicine
Usage: uncountable; also called grey amber
Examples
- Ambergris was highly valued by perfumers for its ability to fix scents and add depth to fragrances.
- The sperm whale produces ambergris as a byproduct of its digestive system.
- Historically, ambergris was worth more than gold by weight.
- Modern perfumers often use synthetic alternatives instead of natural ambergris.
- A piece of ambergris washed ashore on the beach and was identified by its distinctive odor.
- The use of ambergris in cosmetics has declined due to conservation concerns about whales.