ambergris
/ˈæmbərˌɡriːs/
noun
- A waxy substance produced in the digestive system of sperm whales, historically used in perfumes as a fixative.
- Ambergris is highly valued in the perfume industry for its ability to make scents last longer.
- The rare ambergris was once used in the making of expensive, long-lasting fragrances.
- Beachcombers sometimes find lumps of ambergris washed up on the shore.