Hierarchy classification:

1. top of the aat hierarchies
2. Materials Facet
3. Materials (hierarchy name)
4. materials (substances)
5. [materials by origin]
6. biological material
7. animal material
8. [animal material by form or function]
9. [animal material by excretions, secretions, and fluids]

Anotations

Scope note:

A waxy, odorous substance of marbled ashy color produced in the intestines of the sperm whale, and often found floating in tropical seas, or on the seashore. Formerly used as an ingredient in perfumery to prevent evaporation, more recently it has been replaced in this function by synthetic substances.