Spermaceti / s p ər m ə ˈ s iː t i ˌ-ˈ s ɛ-/ (see also: Sperm oil) is a waxy substance found in the head cavities of the sperm whale (and, in smaller quantities, in the oils of other whales). Spermaceti is created in the spermaceti organ inside the whale's head.

Spermaceti is a pearly white wax like material found in the head cavity of the sperm whale. This white waxy substance is created by the spermaceti organ, which is located in the top half of the whale’s skull.

Sperm whales' heads are filled with a waxy substance called "spermaceti" (sperm oil), from which the whale derives its name. Spermaceti was a prime target of the whaling industry and was sought after for use in oil lamps, lubricants, and candles.

The spermaceti organ is an organ present in the heads of toothed whales of the superfamily Physeteroidea, in particular the sperm whale. This organ contains a waxy liquid called spermaceti and is thought to be involved in the generation of sound.

Spermaceti, a wax, liquid at body temperature, obtained from the head of a sperm whale or bottlenose whale. Spermaceti was used chiefly in ointments, cosmetic creams, fine wax candles, pomades, and textile finishing; later it was used for industrial lubricants.

The meaning of SPERMACETI is a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used especially formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles.

Spermaceti is the term given to the liquid waxes present in the head of the sperm whale. Spermaceti is present in greatest abundance in the spermaceti organ, or “case” and in the “junk.” The case is an elongated barrel-shaped organ, which makes up much of the bulk of the sperm whale's huge head.

Mar 16, 2025 · Spermaceti is a unique substance found in the head cavities of sperm whales. But what exactly is it? Spermaceti is a waxy material that has fascinated scientists and sailors alike. Historically, it was highly valued for its use in candles, cosmetics, and even machinery.

May 5, 2022 · During New England’s whaling industry, the most highly prized oil was spermaceti, sometimes referred to as “head oil,” as it was obtained from the head of the sperm whale. Technically, spermaceti is not an oil but a type of liquid wax that retains its lubricating qualities at extreme temperatures.

Jan 1, 2009 · Spermaceti is the term given to the liquid waxes present in the head of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). The word comes from the late Latin sperma, “sperm” or “semen,” and the classical Latin ceti, genitive singular of cetus, “sea monster” or “whale”—literally “semen of whale.”