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Glite Dictionary
cachalot

cachalot

9.9
A very large whale with a big head that contains waxy oil and sometimes produces ambergris
  • noun
  • /ˈkæʃəˌlɑt/
  • Archaic
translation icon : cachalote
  • Ambergris, a valuable substance, is produced in the digestive system of the cachalot.

Examples

  • The cachalot is known for its deep diving abilities.

  • The cachalot is renowned for its deep dives in search of squid.

  • A gigantic cachalot surfaced near the research vessel, thrilling everyone on board.

  • Many cachalots can be found in the waters off the coast of California.

  • The cachalot is known for its large head and deep diving abilities.

  • Once spotted near the coast, the cachalot became a popular attraction for tourists.

  • Scientists study the cachalot to better understand the deep-sea ecosystem.

Synonyms

sperm whale
vscachalot
4 3.7

A very large whale with a huge head and big teeth that lives in deep oceans

is the less technical, everyday name for the same animal
Physeter catodon
vscachalot
  • Specialized
9.9

A large whale with a square head that holds oil

is the common general name used in ordinary language
Physeter macrocephalus
vscachalot
  • Specialized
9.1

A very large whale with a big head that dives deep to eat squid

focuses on the head cavity and ambergris rather than diving ability
black whale
vscachalot
7.7

A very large whale like the sperm whale that has oil and ambergris in its head

refers specifically to the single species with the spermaceti head and ambergris

Surface Forms

cachalot singular
cachalots plural

Etymology

Cachalot comes from French and Spanish forms like cachalot/cachalote, names sailors used for this large whale. One idea is the name once meant 'big head', which is an easy way to remember it because the cachalot, the same animal as the sperm whale, has a huge head that holds oil and sometimes ambergris.