castor oil

noun

: a pale viscous fatty oil from castor beans used especially as a cathartic and as a lubricant and plasticizer

Examples of castor oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Plus, it's made of moisturizing glycerin, strengthening silica, and conditioning castor oil, so your hair is shiny and clean for days. Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 18 June 2025 Leaving castor oil in your hair too long may lead to build-up or matting. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025 Key Ingredients: Glycerin, DHA, castor oil, caramel, cocos nucifera fruit juice Shades: 2 How to Use: For best results, begin with clean skin and shake the bottle well before use. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 2 June 2025 The formula, which includes castor oil, passion fruit extract and vitamin E, helps the lips retain moisture while softening fine lines. Essence, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for castor oil

Word History

Etymology

probably from its former use as a substitute for castoreum in medicine

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of castor oil was in 1746

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Cite this Entry

“Castor oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/castor%20oil. Accessed 23 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

castor oil

noun
: a pale thick oil obtained from castor beans and used chiefly as a lubricant or a laxative

Medical Definition

castor oil

noun
: a pale viscous fatty oil from castor beans used especially as a cathartic or lubricant

More from Merriam-Webster on castor oil

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