Definition of AMBERGRIS

ambergris

Plural: ambergrises

Noun

  • waxy substance secreted by the sperm whale and found floating at sea or washed ashore; used in perfume
  • 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.

Origin / Etymology

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.

Synonyms

amber, gray amber, grey amber

Scrabble Score: 14

ambergris is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
ambergris is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
ambergris is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

ambergris is a valid Words With Friends word