gray amber

Another term for ambergris, a waxy substance excreted by sperm whales and used as a fixative, especially in the preparation of perfumes. The large chunk of gray amber that washed ashore is worth more than gold! A: "What is that floating out on the sea? Gray amber?" B: "I think you might be right!" Wait a second. You're telling me that my favorite perfume contains something known as "gray amber" that came from a sperm whale's intestine? Gross!