sperm whale Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and oil; also a source of ambergris
    black whale; Physeter catodon; cachalot.

WordNet

Sperm" whale`
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) A very large toothed whale (Physeter macrocephalus), having a head of enormous size. The upper jaw is destitute of teeth. In the upper part of the head, above the skull, there is a large cavity, or case, filled with oil and spermaceti. This whale sometimes grows to the length of more than eighty feet. It is found in the warmer parts of all the oceans. Called also cachalot, and spermaceti whale.

Webster 1913