What does "cachalot" mean?
The sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus.
Cachalot
/ˈkæ.ʃəˌlɑt/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus.
- Grammar: cachalot is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: sperm whale, animal, antelope, armadillo.
- Useful contrasts: protected species, terrestrial mammal.
- Usage evidence: A flexible rib cage facilitates the collapse of the lungs of a diving cachalot (a synonym derived from an old French word for tooth), so reducing the nitrogen uptake which is responsible for decompression sickness in diving humans, while high levels of haemoglobin in the blood and myoglobin in the skeletal muscles carry the oxygen required to sustain long periods between breaths.
How to use "cachalot"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "cachalot" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "cachalot" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "cachalot" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "cachalot" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "cachalot" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "sperm whale" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The sperm whale, Physeter macrocephalus.
"A flexible rib cage facilitates the collapse of the lungs of a diving cachalot (a synonym derived from an old French word for tooth), so reducing the nitrogen uptake which is responsible for decompression sickness in diving humans, while high levels of haemoglobin in the blood and myoglobin in the skeletal muscles carry the oxygen required to sustain long periods between breaths."
- 2 large whale with a large cavity in the head containing spermaceti and oil; also a source of ambergris wordnet
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
protected speciesterrestrial mammal
Example
"A flexible rib cage facilitates the collapse of the lungs of a diving cachalot (a synonym derived from an old French word for tooth), so reducing the nitrogen uptake which is responsible for decompression sickness in diving humans, while high levels of haemoglobin in the blood and myoglobin in the skeletal muscles carry the oxygen required to sustain long periods between breaths."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "cachalot"?
Common synonyms include: sperm whale, animal, antelope, armadillo, bat, black whale.
How do you use "cachalot" in a sentence?
A flexible rib cage facilitates the collapse of the lungs of a diving cachalot (a synonym derived from an old French word for tooth), so reducing the nitrogen uptake which is responsible for decompression sickness in diving humans, while high levels of haemoglobin in the blood and myoglobin in the skeletal muscles carry the oxygen required to sustain long periods between breaths.
How do you pronounce "cachalot"?
Pronounced /ˈkæ.ʃəˌlɑt/.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *kap- Proto-Indo-European *-yéti Proto-Indo-European *kapyéti Proto-Italic *kapjō Old Latin kapiō Latin capiō Proto-Indo-European *-tḗr Proto-Indo-European *-trom Proto-Indo-European *-tlomder. Latin -ulum Latin capulum Portuguese cacho Portuguese -ola Portuguese cachola Portuguese -ote Portuguese cachalotebor. French cachalotbor. English cachalot Borrowed from French cachalot, from Portuguese cachalote, from cachola (“head”) + -ote.