cachalot

Definition

The sperm whale, a massive toothed whale (Physeter macrocephalus) known for its enormous head and ability to dive deeper than any other marine mammal, sometimes exceeding 7,000 feet. Named after the clicking sounds it makes, the cachalot was famously hunted by whalers in the 19th century.

Example Usage

Melville's narrator in Moby Dick was obsessed with hunting the great white cachalot across the seas.

Origin

From French 'cachalot', possibly derived from Portuguese 'cachaloite' or Basque origins; used in English since the 1600s

Fun Fact

Sperm whales have the largest brain of any living animal and can produce loud clicking sounds for echolocation that travel miles underwater.

Source: Definition backfill (hailey)

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