n. [ L., fr. Gr. fyshth`r, fr. fysa^n to blow: cf. F. physétère. ] [ capitalized ] 1. (Zool.) The genus that includes the sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus). [ 1913 Webster ]
2. A filtering machine operated by air pressure. [ 1913 Webster ]
prop. n. A natural family of marine mammals that includes the sperm whales. Syn. -- family Physeteridae. [ WordNet 1.5 ]