"waxy, fatty stuff in the head of certain whales," late 15c., from Medieval Latin sperma ceti "sperm of a whale" (it has when fresh something of the appearance of sperm), from Latin sperma "seed, semen" (see sperm) + ceti, genitive of cetus "whale, large sea animal" (see Cetacea). The substance in olden times was credited with medicinal properties, as well as being used for candle oil.
Use ... Sperma Cete ana with redd Wyne when ye wax old. [Sir George Ripley, "The Compound of Alchemy," 1471]
Scientists still are not sure exactly what it does. Sperm whale, short for spermaceti whale, is from 1830.
双语例句
1. The toothed whale has a large square head with a cavity that contains the so - called spermaceti.
锯齿鲸拥有很大的头颅.在头颅的腔里含有 所谓 的鲸脑油.
来自互联网
2. Photo Gallery: Whales Sperm whales'heads are filled with a mysterious substance called spermaceti.
