spermaceti
/ˌspɜrməˈsiːti/
noun
- A waxy substance found in the head of a sperm whale, used historically in candles, ointments, and cosmetics.
- Spermaceti was once a key ingredient in high-quality candles.
- Today, synthetic waxes have largely replaced spermaceti in products.
- The whalers harvested spermaceti from the whale's head cavity.