'ambeer' originates from Middle English, specifically the word 'amber,' where 'amber' referred to both the fossilized resin and the waxy substance from whales.

'amber' transformed into the Middle English word 'ambeer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'ambergris' for the whale-derived substance.

Initially, it meant 'amber' in general, but over time it evolved to specifically refer to 'ambergris.'