cet a'ceum

Syn.: spermaceti, or sperm a cet i. A white crystalline ma obtained from cavities in the cranium of the spermaceti whale (Physeter macrocephalus), consisting chiefly of cetyl palmitate. It is used in medicine as a basis of cerates and ointments, being devoid of any irritant or other marked properties. [U. S. Ph., Br. Ph.]. ceratum cetacei. Spermaceti cerate; made by melting spermaceti with white wax and olive oil [U. S. Ph., 1890, Br. Ph.]. unguentum cetacei. Spermaceti ointment; made by melting together spermaceti, white wax, and almond oil. It is used for the same purpose as the ceratum cetacei [Br. Ph.]. unguentum cetacei album. See ceratum, cetacei. [Gr., ketos, a huge fish.]