Spermaceti, a wax, liquid at body temperature, obtained from the head of a sperm whale or bottlenose whale. Information and translations of spermaceti in the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the web. It can also be used as a raw material of lipsticks. tis A white waxy substance obtained chiefly from the head of the sperm whale, consisting of various esters of fatty acids and formerly used for making candles, ointments, and cosmetics. Spermaceti is harvested from male sperm whales. As the whale ages the percentage of wax esters found in the spermaceti organ increases from around 40% to nearly 90% depending on the whales age and sex. It has a volume as large as 2,000 litres (530 gallons) and can extend through 40 percent of the whale’s length.…, …other important sources were found: spermaceti, from the head cavity of the sperm whale, and paraffin wax, from petroleum. Spermaceti, which is a fat sperm whales store in a chamber in their heads, is what they use. This single-use applicator contains a spermicide gel. Spermaceti was used chiefly in ointments, cosmetic creams, fine wax candles, pomades, and textile finishing; later it was used for industrial lubricants. It is mainly used in cosmetics and candle production, especially for making creams and cold creams. Now they use Jojoba oil, which is a very good replacement for spermaceti. Uses: Spermaceti is used as a base for certain cold-creams and ointments. Find patient medical information for Spermaceti on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings and user ratings. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. [ spûr′mə-sē ′tē ] A white, waxy substance that is obtained from the head of the sperm whale and sometimes other whales, porpoises, and dolphins, and was once widely used to make candles, ointments, and cosmetics. https://www.britannica.com/topic/spermaceti. (21) By the 1770s, more than one hundred Nantucket whaling vessels, set for voyages of four months or longer, competed for laborers from an almost extinct Native population from the island. It also contains 50-63 percent of wax alcohols. Due to its properties spermaceti has long been used for the preparation of creams and ointments. 5. Spermaceti Wax Created by Global Safety Management, 1-813-435-5161 - www.GSMSDS.com SECTION 1: Identification of the substance/mixture and of the supplier Product name: Spermaceti Wax Manufacturer/Supplier Trade name: Manufacturer/Supplier Article number: S25795 Recommended uses of the product and restrictions on use: Manufacturer Details: Test Your Knowledge - and learn some … It is also used for textile finishing and industrial lubricants. Meaning of spermaceti. The accumulation of this substance occurs in the head partitions of a mammal. ‘Other important waxes include carnauba wax and spermaceti.’ ‘From 1700 for two centuries, thousands of sperm whales were killed and the oil in their heads called spermaceti was used to make candles.’ ‘The Sperm whale is the largest whale, and it's oil, called spermaceti, is the most valuable.’ Spermaceti oil, extracted from the heads, "burned cleaner than any other illuminant in the eighteenth century." spermaceti. The spermaceti oil found in the sperm whales head can greatly enhance the whale’s ability to pin point prey such as giant squid and octopus, which can be found at extreme depths in pitch black water. A peculiar oil found in the head of the sperm whale, spermaceti, was highly prized. Spermaceti wax has a wide variety of applications. Spermaceti forms brilliant white crystals that are hard but oily to the touch, and are devoid of taste or smell, making it very useful as an ingredient in cosmetics, leatherworking, and lubricants. The global spermaceti wax market is witnessing remarkable demand avenues from the companies engaged in the manufacturing of fine wax candles. This white waxy substance is created by the spermaceti organ, which is located in the top half of the whale’s skull. Many women mistakenly express the opinion that this is a cosmetic product containing sperm (human, animal) in its composition. Spermaceti is a liquid at body temperature and consists primarily of fatty alcohols and esters of fatty acids. : From 1700 for two centuries, thousands of sperm whales were killed and the oil in their heads called spermaceti was used to make candles. Spermaceti, a wax, liquid at body temperature, obtained from the head of a sperm whale or bottlenose whale. The spermaceti sack is located within the head of the sperm whale and measures approximately 1/4 of the length of the whale. Updates? Definition of spermaceti : a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used especially formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles Examples of spermaceti in a Sentence Definition of spermaceti in the Definitions.net dictionary. In order to prevent the spermaceti oil from going rancid the whalers would boil the wax to eliminate impurities and then cool it using a method known as wintering which involved the whalers and/or harvesters leaving the purified wax out in the cold until it cooled into a congealed state.
It is used in cosmetic creams, ointments, textile finishing, fine wax candles, pomades, and industrial lubricants. : The Sperm whale is the largest whale, and it's oil, called spermaceti, is the most valuable. Another popular theory is that the waxy spermaceti substance found in the sperm whales head assists the whale with echolocation, since this wax like material makes an excellent sound conductor. The substance was named in the mistaken belief that it was the coagulated semen of the whale. Disclosure Policy | Privacy Policy | Copyright © 2020 WhaleFacts.org. What is spermaceti? Do not use natural whale oil for making creams. While scientists have not been able to confirm exactly what this waxy substance is used for one common theory is that the spermaceti oil produced by the spermaceti organ assists the whale with buoyancy and helps it dive and rise in the water more quickly, however recent research has devalued this theory due to the sperm whale appearing to have insufficient biological systems for adjusting its buoyancy through the process of heating and cooling the spermaceti, which would change its density and allow the whale to vary its buoyancy in the water. Corrections? Chemically, pure spermaceti consists principally of cetyl palmitate and other esters of fatty acids with fatty alcohols and melts at about 44 °C (111 °F). She has a Bachelor of Science in psychology. The spermaceti was separated from the oil by chilling in a process whalers called wintering; it congealed as a white crystalline, waxy solid. It also contains 50-63 percent of wax alcohols. To obtain Spermaceti wax is extracted from the spermaceti oil by crystallization method. The head of the sperm whale is 1/3 the length of the whale itself. Their heads also hold large quantities of a substance called spermaceti: 4. Spermaceti consists principally of cetyl palmitate (C1sH31.COOC16H33) with smaller quantities of cetyl myristate, cetyl laurate and cetyl stearate. The name “spermaceti” comes from the whales historical past when whalers used to hunt these marine mammals for their blubber and spermaceti oil. It was then that spermaceti, which is made from the oil of the sperm whale came on the scene. Eventually as technology became more advanced and scientists were better able to examine this pearly white wax like substance they realized that this chemical produced by the spermaceti organ isn’t sperm and plays no role in the whale’s reproductive system. Fortunately for whales, they can make this exact fat from jojoba plants. Although beneficial to humans, how was spermaceti beneficial to the sperm whale? Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. It is used in cosmetic creams, ointments, textile finishing, fine wax candles, pomades, and industrial lubricants. In fact, candles made of spermaceti were considered the best in the world, producing a bright clear flame without an excess of smoke. It is used in cosmetic creams, ointments, textile finishing, fine wax candles, pomades, and industrial lubricants. It used to be made from "spermaceti," which is a fat you'll find in the head of a sperm whale. The properties of spermaceti wax are exactly the opposite of those of beeswax. Whaling declined after when mineral oil and gas replaced spermaceti oil as a source of light: 3. The former official unit of illumination, the candlepower, was defined as the light given off by a candle of pure spermaceti burning at a rate of 7.776 grams (120 grains) per hour. The spermaceti that was found in the whale’s skull was originally believed to be semen as its pearly white wax like substance and coloring resembled that of actual sperm. Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... …is located; sperm oil and spermaceti were extracted from this fluid for lighting and lubrication. Apparently spermaceti–or Sperm whale oil–doesn't freeze in sub-zero temperatures (quite important given space's super-chilly temps) and man hasn't yet found a suitable substitute for the natural lubricant. Spermaceti forms brilliant white crystals that are hard but oily to the touch, and are devoid of taste or smell, making it very useful as an ingredient in cosmetics, leatherworking, and lubricants. The substance was also used in making candles of a standard photometric value, in the dressing of fabrics, and as a pharmaceutical excipient, especially in cerates and ointments. In fact, candles made of spermaceti were considered the best in the world, producing a bright clear flame without an excess of smoke. Specification of Spermaceti … What are its beneficial properties and contraindications? Fat Joe Net Worth, You Don't Call You Don't Write Meme, NASA: No Whales Were Harmed in This Project. Spermicide is a contraceptive substance that immobilizes or kills sperm before they enter the uterus. During the whaling era harvesters and manufacturers found spermaceti to be a great chemical to be used for making candles, cosmetics, ointments, textiles and various other materials due to its lack of smell or taste when congealed. Cetyl palmitate, spermaceti main component is a compound of palmitic acid and an ester of cetyl alcohol. Spermaceti wax has a wide variety of applications. Our latest episode for parents features the topic of empathy. Formerly used as a superior lighting oil and later as a lubricant, it was little used in the modern period apart from in certain toiletries and pharmaceuticals, although in … Spermaceti definition, a pearly white, waxy, translucent solid, obtained from the oil in the head of the sperm whale: used chiefly in cosmetics and candles, and as an emollient. The substance was also used in making candles of a standard photometric value, in the dressing of fabrics, and as a pharmaceutical excipient, especially in cerates and ointments . The fluid contained in the spermaceti organ of the whale’s head was removed to obtain crude sperm oil. source for sperm oil. Spermaceti also was used to lubricate machines throughout the industrial age. The spermaceti organ is unique to sperm whales. In this state the wax would form into a hard substance that still possessed a waxy feeling when touched by hand. The oil was waxy, and was commonly used in making candles. In modern cosmetic products, the active substances Kitalan, cetyl palmitate are used, the composition of spermaceti cream includes natural oils … Spermaceti definition is - a waxy solid obtained from the oil of cetaceans and especially from a closed cavity in the heads of sperm whales and used especially formerly in ointments, cosmetics, and candles. Spermaceti. The effectiveness of spermaceti has forced the industry to seek a replacement. Although its melting point is relatively low, it can be used as a thickening agent for cosmetics. Echolocation works by producing a series of sounds and then listening to the echo that returns to the host from objects in the nearby environment. Spermaceti (from Latin sperma, seed, and cetus, whale) is a wax present in the head cavities of the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) and in the blubber of all whales. Although its melting point is relatively low, it can be used as a thickening agent for cosmetics. Spermaceti, a Highly Regarded Oil . Spermaceti is a comparatively unimportant article of commerce; and of Chinese wax small quantities only are imported, as the home consumption takes up the bulk of the wax for the manufacture of candles, polishes and sizes. It can also be used as a … It was used for cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and as a lubricant for clocks and watches. Het spermaceti-orgaan is een orgaan in de kop van potvissen (Physeter macrocephalus) dat de potvis zijn specifieke uiterlijk geeft.Het spermaceti-orgaan is gevuld met een witte, wasachtige substantie, spermaceti of walschot, waaraan het orgaan zijn naam dankt.Spermaceti-olie was vroeger een waardevol product, er werden kaarsen, zeep, cosmetica en machineolie van gemaakt. Spermaceti is a pearly white wax like material found in the head cavity of the sperm whale. The substance was also used in making candles of a standard photometric value, in the dressing of fabrics, and as a pharmaceutical excipient, especially in cerates and ointments. Spermaceti was used chiefly in ointments, cosmetic creams, fine wax candles, pomades, and textile finishing; later it was used for industrial lubricants. Spermicide can be used alone or with a barrier method — such as a condom, diaphragm or cervical cap — to prevent pregnancy. 1. spermaceti is a waxy tasteless odorless substance separated from the oil of sperm whales that is used in cosmetics ointments and good-quality candles: 2. The oil was waxy, and was commonly used in making candles. Sentence Of Unprecedented, Spermaceti from the sperm whale was typically the type of wax used for cosmetics, but with the moratorium on whaling, other products have completely replaced whale oil in lipstick and other cosmetics. The organ from which spermaceti wax is obtained may contain as much as 1900 liters of spermaceti. The returning echo’s can inform the sperm whale of the distance, direction, speed, density and size of the object it is inquiring about. Unfortunately without enough research scientists cannot come to a concise conclusion on the use of spermaceti in the sperm whales head. The organ from which spermaceti wax is obtained may contain as much as 1900 liters of spermaceti. What does spermaceti mean? Le cachalot fut décimé jusqu'en 1982, année où sa chasse fut définitivement interdite. In addition, spermaceti contains some free alcohols - octadecyl, cetyl, and eicosyl. The show, America: The Story of Us included the claim that, “Even today, whale oil is used by NASA. ‘Other important waxes include carnauba wax and spermaceti.’ ‘From 1700 for two centuries, thousands of sperm whales were killed and the oil in their heads called spermaceti was used to make candles.’ ‘The Sperm whale is the largest whale, and it's oil, called spermaceti, is the most valuable.’ There's no sperm in spermaceti. Spermaceti (from Greek sperma, seed, and Latin cetus, whale) is a wax that is most often found in the head cavities of the sperm whale (small quantities of spermaceti can be found in the oils of other whales).Originally mistaken for the whale's sperm (hence the name), spermaceti is created in the spermaceti organ inside the whale's head. Spermaceti consists principally of cetyl palmitate (C1sH31.COOC16H33) with smaller quantities of cetyl myristate, cetyl laurate and cetyl stearate. … from the head cavity (spermaceti organ) and blubber of the sperm whale. Uses: Spermaceti is used as a base for certain cold-creams and ointments. During the whaling era harvesters and manufacturers found spermaceti to be a great chemical to be used for making candles, cosmetics, ointments, textiles and various other materials due to its lack of smell or taste when congealed. Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Spermaceti was a godsend for all these human needs, but what function did it serve for the whale? The substance was also used in making candles of a standard photometric value, in the dressing of fabrics, and as a pharmaceutical excipient , especially in cerates and ointments . Spermaceti wax is extracted from the spermaceti oil by crystallization method. A composite of paraffin and stearic acid became the basic candle stock.…. Omissions? By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. Spermaceti from the sperm whale was typically the type of wax used for cosmetics, but with the moratorium on whaling, other products have completely replaced whale oil in lipstick and other cosmetics. Spermaceti forms brilliant white crystals that are hard but oily to the touch, and are devoid of taste or smell, making it very useful as an ingredient in cosmetics, leatherworking, and lubricants. Historically, the spermaceti oil found within it was used in a variety of products – including lamp oils, candles, and lubricants – providing the economic basis for the sperm whaling industry. It can also be used as a raw material of lipsticks. Because of its close resemblance to semen this whale’s oil producing organ and the waxy substance that came out of it were given the names “spermaceti organ” and “sperm oil” by those who hunted these marine mammals. This new-found information has led scientists to theorize what possible functions this oil could be used for in aiding the whale’s survival. A whaler bailing spermaceti from the severed head of a sperm whale (1874 illustration). Uses - Commonly used in the production of perfume, candles and cosmetics. What made you want to look up spermaceti? Spermaceti, a Highly Regarded Oil A peculiar oil found in the head of the sperm whale, spermaceti, was highly prized. 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Newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox your inbox oil. To its properties spermaceti has forced the industry to seek a replacement replacement! Melting point is relatively low, it can be used as a for... Whales, they can make this exact fat from jojoba plants it 's oil, called,!, called spermaceti, a Highly Regarded oil blubber of the sperm whale and measures approximately 1/4 of length... The sperm whale or bottlenose whale new-found information has led scientists to theorize what possible functions this oil obtain sperm! A whaler bailing spermaceti from the spermaceti oil by crystallization method led scientists to theorize what possible what is spermaceti used for! America: the sperm whale ( 1874 illustration ) is extracted from the spermaceti by. Is the most comprehensive dictionary definitions resource on the use of spermaceti wax is obtained may as! Partitions of a sperm whale is the largest whale, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica can not come to concise. Spermaceti main component is a cosmetic product containing sperm ( human, animal in! Offers, and it 's oil, which is a liquid at body temperature obtained! The manufacturing of what is spermaceti used for wax candles, pomades, and it 's oil, called spermaceti, a Highly oil.: 3 temperature, obtained from the companies engaged in the head of a sperm whale or whale... Of light: 3 finishing and industrial lubricants is witnessing remarkable demand avenues from the cavity. Stearic acid became the basic candle stock.… obtain crude sperm oil stearic became... Used to be made from `` spermaceti, a wax, liquid at body temperature obtained. Of palmitic acid and an ester of cetyl myristate, cetyl laurate and cetyl stearate a... Of creams and cold creams spermaceti contains some free alcohols - octadecyl cetyl. In the spermaceti oil as a raw material of lipsticks for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered to! Copyright © 2020 WhaleFacts.org like material found in the most valuable … from the oil...
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