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The "sperm" in sperm whale refers to the spermaceti found in a cavity of the head of the whale. The spermaceti is white, waxy fatty acid oil. It was formerly used in cosmetics, candles, and ointments.
Latin sperma "= semen)"+ Latin ceti "of a whale"
Regardless of the words Latin derivation, the substance was not whale semen, the use of sperma probably refers to a similar appearance that the spermaceti has to semen.
Latin sperma "= semen)"+ Latin ceti "of a whale"
Regardless of the words Latin derivation, the substance was not whale semen, the use of sperma probably refers to a similar appearance that the spermaceti has to semen.
source(s):
http://www.dictionary.net/sperm+whale
http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861711561/spermaceti.html
http://www.dictionary.net/sperm+whale
http://encarta.msn.com/dictionary_1861711561/spermaceti.html
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voted helpful: psionandy
It wasn't because it looked like sperm, originally it was thought to actually be sperm.
source(s):
I remember this from school, but i found a link to back my case.
http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Sperm_whale/
I remember this from school, but i found a link to back my case.
http://www.knowledgerush.com/kr/encyclopedia/Sperm_whale/
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