ambergris

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See also: amber-gris and amber gris

English

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Alternative forms

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ambergris

Etymology

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From Old French ambre gris (grey amber). Though the term was initially spaced as two words, single-word forms predominated by the 19th century. In the 17th century, folk etymologies interpreting the term as amber grease or amber [of] Greece enjoyed some popularity.[1]

Pronunciation

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Noun

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ambergris (usually uncountable, plural ambergrises)

  1. A solid, waxy, flammable substance of a dull grey or blackish color, produced in the intestines of the sperm whale. It is used in perfumes.

Synonyms

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Translations

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References

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  1. ^ Mark Morton, Cupboard Love 2: A Dictionary of Culinary Curiosities

Further reading

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Anagrams

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Dutch

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

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  • IPA(key): /ˈɑm.bərˌɣrɪs/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: am‧ber‧gris

Noun

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ambergris n (uncountable)

  1. ambergris