Spermaceti, a white waxy matter obtained in an oily state from the head of the sperm-whale inhabiting the Pacific and Indian Oceans; candles made of it yield a particularly steady and bright light.

Sper`ma*ce"ti (?), n. [L. sperma sperm + cetus,gen. ceti, any large sea animal, a whale, Gr. &?;&?;&?;. See Sperm, Cetaceous.] A white waxy substance obtained from cavities in the head of the sperm whale, and used making candles, oilments, cosmetics, etc. It consists essentially of ethereal salts of palmitic acid with ethal and other hydrocarbon bases. The substance of spermaceti after the removal of certain impurities is sometimes called cetin.

Spermaceti whale(Zoöl.), the sperm whale.

Sper`ma*ce"ti (?), n. [L. sperma sperm + cetus,gen. ceti, any large sea animal, a whale, Gr. &?;&?;&?;. See Sperm, Cetaceous.] A white waxy substance obtained from cavities in the head of the sperm whale, and used making candles, oilments, cosmetics, etc. It consists essentially of ethereal salts of palmitic acid with ethal and other hydrocarbon bases. The substance of spermaceti after the removal of certain impurities is sometimes called cetin.

Spermaceti whale(Zoöl.), the sperm whale.