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ricin

noun

ri·​cin ˈrī-sᵊn How to pronounce ricin (audio)
ˈri-
: a poisonous protein in the castor bean

Examples of ricin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Michail Chkhikvishvili, who reportedly attempted to recruit people to involve themselves in a plot to poison children at Jewish schools in New York City, pleaded guilty to soliciting hate crimes and distributing information about making bombs and ricin. Arkansas Online, 19 Nov. 2025 In 2018, a letter that claimed to contain ricin led to a full biohazard response by first responders at her home. Fox News, 11 May 2022 In his truck, officers found a plastic water gun and five tubes that tested positive for ricin. Amanda Rabines, Orlando Sentinel, 10 May 2022 The seed for Saaem’s ricin idea didn’t involve him at all. Washington Post, 5 Apr. 2022 See All Example Sentences for ricin

Word History

Etymology

Latin ricinus castor-oil plant

First Known Use

1896, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ricin was in 1896

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Cite this Entry

“Ricin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ricin. Accessed 3 Dec. 2025.

Medical Definition

ricin

noun
: a poisonous protein in the castor bean

More from Merriam-Webster on ricin

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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