ambergris

See also: amber-gris and amber gris

English

WOTD – 3 April 2006

Alternative forms

ambergris

Etymology

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

  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈæm.bɚ.ɡɹɪs/, (sometimes) /ˈæm.bɚ.ɡɹis/
  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈæm.bə.ɡɹɪs/
  • (file)

Noun

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

Translations

References

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

Further reading

Anagrams

Dutch

Alternative forms

  • ambergrijs

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

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

Noun

ambergris n (uncountable)

  1. ambergris
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