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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Bonus points for liners made with nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, castor oil, or panthenol (as in our best overall pick), which help condition the lid so the color glides instead of skipping. Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 11 Nov. 2025 However, the hull is discarded when castor oil is manufactured. Sherri Gordon, Health, 29 Oct. 2025 The balm base is also helpful, putting replenishing ingredients like shea butter, mango seed butter, and castor oil to good use. Deanna Pai, Vogue, 27 Oct. 2025 There are many on the market, but castor oil is one that has shown minor effectiveness, says Pierce. Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

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