Ambergris
/ˈæmbərɡrɪs/
nounC2
Definition
Ambergris is a solid, wax-like material that comes from the digestive system of sperm whales. It is valuable because it has a strong, pleasant smell and helps perfumes last longer. People have used ambergris in perfumes and medicines for many years.
Was this helpful?
⚡ See It in Action
A rare waxy substance from sperm whales used in perfume making
- •Ambergris has been used for centuries as a fixative in fine perfumes.
- •The scent of ambergris is musky, sweet, and complex.
- •Finding ambergris on a beach is considered lucky by some.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "ambergris" like "perfume" (A1 word), but it is a natural ingredient from whales, not a finished scent you spray
- ✓Picture a smooth, grayish lump floating on the ocean or found on a beach, smelling sweet and musky
- ✓It is the feeling of discovering something rare and special that smells good and lasts a long time
- ✓Sounds like "AM-ber-gris" → imagine a treasure chest with amber (golden stone) and gray mist, both valuable and mysterious
- ✓In stories, ambergris is a rare treasure from the sea, often linked to sailors and explorers
- ✓NOT like regular "wax" (used for candles or sealing), ambergris is a natural animal product with fragrance use
- ✓NOT like "perfume" (ready to wear), ambergris is a raw material used to make perfumes last longer
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Spermaceti: a waxy substance from sperm whales but mainly used in candles and cosmetics (Use when talking about whale products but not perfume)
- •Fixative: a substance that makes perfume last longer (Use when emphasizing the function in perfume, not the source)
- •Perfume ingredient: general term for any material used to make perfume (Use in broad or simple contexts)
🔍 Unboxing
- •Word parts: "amber" + "gris" (French word meaning "gray")
- •Etymology: From French, meaning "gray amber," because it looks like amber but is grayish in color
- •Historical development: Used since ancient times in perfumes and medicines, highly prized by many cultures
- •Modern usage: Still used in luxury perfumes and studied for its unique scent and chemical properties
- •Interesting fact: Ambergris forms inside whales and is often found floating in the ocean or washed up on shores
💭 Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people value ambergris so much despite it coming from whale intestines?
•How does knowing the origin of ambergris change your view of perfume and natural products?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.Ambergris is valuable because it helps perfumes ___ their scent for a longer time.
2.The substance ambergris is produced inside ___ whales, not made by humans.
3.Unlike regular wax, ambergris has a ___ smell that perfume makers like.
4.When ambergris washes up on a beach, people often think it is a ___ find.
5.Ambergris is used as a ___ in perfumes to keep the fragrance from fading quickly.
6.You would not use ambergris as a candle ___, even though it is waxy.
7.The name ambergris comes from French words meaning ___ amber, describing its color and texture.