Main Entry: ambergris Pronunciation: 'am-b&r-"gris, -"grE(s) Function: noun Etymology: Middle English ambregris, from Middle French ambre gris, from ambre + gris gray -- more at GRIZZLE Date: 15th century : a waxy substance found floating in or on the shores of tropical waters, believed to originate in the intestines of the sperm whale, and used in perfumery as a fixative Margaret FitzWilliam