̈ɪspə:m n. (pl.
same or sperms) 1 =
SPERMATOZOON. 2
the male reproductive
fluid containing spermatozoa;
semen. 3 = sperm whale. 4 =
SPERMACETI. 5 = sperm
oil. øsperm bank a supply of semen stored
for use in
artificial insemination. sperm count the
number of spermatozoa in
one ejaculation or a
measured amount of semen. sperm oil an oil obtained
from the
head of a sperm whale,
and used as a
lubricant. sperm whale a
large whale, Physeter macrocephalus, hunted for the spermaceti and sperm oil contained in
its bulbous head, and for the
ambergris found in its intestines:
also called
CACHALOT. [ME f. LL sperma f. Gk sperma -atos
seed f. speiro sow: in sperm whale an abbr. of SPERMACETI]