sperm whale

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Word: Sperm Whale

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A sperm whale is a large type of whale that has a big head filled with a substance called spermaceti, which is a thick, waxy oil. Sperm whales are deep divers and can hold their breath for a long time. They are also known for producing a substance called ambergris, which is sometimes used in perfumes.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "sperm whale" when talking about this specific species of whale. It is important to remember that "sperm whale" refers to one particular kind of whale, so it should not be used for other types of whales.

Example Sentence:

• "The sperm whale is the largest toothed whale and can dive to great depths in the ocean."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific contexts, you might see the term "Physeter macrocephalus," which is the scientific name for the sperm whale.
• When discussing marine biology, you may refer to their unique echolocation abilities or their social structures, which are often matriarchal.

Word Variants:

• There are no direct variants of "sperm whale," but you might encounter related terms like:
  • "spermaceti" (the substance found in the whale's head)
  • "ambergris" (the substance that can be produced by sperm whales and is used in perfumery)

Different Meanings:

• The term "sperm" in "sperm whale" refers to the whale's reproductive cells and is not related to the word "sperm" that refers to male reproductive fluid.

Synonyms:

• While there aren’t exact synonyms for "sperm whale," you might refer to it in broader terms such as "toothed whale" or "cetacean."

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "sperm whale," but you might hear phrases like "the deep blue sea" when discussing where sperm whales live.

Summary:

The sperm whale is a fascinating creature known for its size, unique head structure, and deep-sea diving abilities.

Academic

Noun

1. large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and oil; also a source of ambergris

Synonyms

• cachalot
• black whale
• Physeter catodon