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spermaceti

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spermaceti

Glistening waxlike substance, not a true oil, contained in the cells of the huge, almost rectangular ‘case’ in the head of the sperm whale, amounting to about 2.8 tonnes/3 tons. It rapidly changes in density with variations in temperature. It was formerly used in lubricants and cosmetics, but in 1980 a blend of fatty acids and esters from tallow and coconut oil was developed as a substitute.



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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
As in decapitating the whale, the operator's instrument is brought close to the spot where an entrance is subsequently forced into the spermaceti magazine; he has, therefore, to be uncommonly heedful, lest a careless, untimely stroke should invade the sanctuary and wastingly let out its invaluable contents.
Moby Dick LXVIII-CXXXIV by Melville, Herman View in context
You must go to New Bedford to see a brilliant wedding; for, they say, they have reservoirs of oil in every house, and every night recklessly burn their lengths in spermaceti candles.
Moby Dick I-LXVII by Melville, Herman View in context
It is in the upper part of this enormous head, in great cavities divided by cartilages, that is to be found from six to eight hundred pounds of that precious oil called spermaceti.
20,000 Leagues Under The Sea by Verne, Jules View in context
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