1
Stage 1 of 4
'anbar
Arabic · medieval
"ambergris"
named the waxy substance found floating in tropical seas
2
Stage 2 of 4
ambre
Medieval Latin · 1200s
"ambergris"
carried into Europe via Crusade-era trade
3
Stage 3 of 4
ambre gris
Old French · 1200s
"gray amber"
"gris" (gray) was added to distinguish it from amber resin
4
Stage 4 of 4
ambergris
English · early 1400s
"waxy perfume-fixative substance"
its true origin as a whale secretion remained mysterious in Europe for centuries
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