
Noah Webster
Sperm
SPERM, noun [Latin sperma.]
1. Animal seed; that by which the species is propagated.
2. The head matter of a certain species of whale, called cachalot. It is called by the French blanc de baleine, the white of whales. It is found also in other parts of the body; but it is improperly named, not being a spermatic substance. Of this matter are mad candles of a beautiful white color.
3. Spawn of fishes or frogs.
SPERMACE'TO, noun [Latin sperma, sperm and cetus, a whale. It is pronounced as it is written.] The same as sperm