(n) large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and oil; also a source of ambergris, Syn. cachalot, black whale, Physeter catodon
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53 Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
n. [ L., fr. Gr. fyshth`r, fr. fysa^n to blow: cf. F. physétère. ] [ capitalized ] 1. (Zool.) The genus that includes the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A filtering machine operated by air pressure. [ 1913 Webster ]
prop. n. A natural family of marine mammals that includes the sperm whales. Syn. -- family Physeteridae. [ WordNet 1.5 ]