A waxy solid hydrocarbon mixture obtained from whale fat or spermaceti, used historically in candles and cosmetics.
From Latin 'cetus' (whale) + chemical suffix '-in'. References the original source of this substance in whale oil products.
Cetin was extremely valuable before petroleum products became available—a single sperm whale could yield thousands of gallons of oil, making the whaling industry one of history's most destructive industries motivated by high demand for lighting and luxury goods.
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