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
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.
The nourishing blend of calendula, sunflower, shea, and castor oils helps lock in moisture and protect color, leaving hair soft, shiny, and sun-safe. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 1 July 2025 Plus, while castor oil may get all the love for its hair-loving benefits, don’t sleep on using this French concoction above the chin. Jenny Berg, Vogue, 28 June 2025 Avoid using castor oil packs during pregnancy unless approved by a healthcare provider. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 25 June 2025 There are many on the market, but castor oil is one that has shown minor effectiveness, says Pierce. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 21 June 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 9 Jul. 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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