WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
sperm′ oil′, [Chem.]
  1. Chemistrya yellow, thin, water-insoluble liquid obtained from the sperm whale, used chiefly as a lubricant in light machinery, as watches, clocks, and scientific apparatus.
  • 1820–30

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::
sperm oil n
  1. an oil obtained from the head of the sperm whale, used as a lubricant
'sperm oil' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):
sperm - sperm whale - whale oil - sinumbra lamp

Forum discussions with the word(s) "sperm oil" in the title:


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