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.
Try out castor oil at night on your lashes to boost length and thickness with continual use. Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 2 May 2025 But the act of gently rubbing castor oil into the abdomen may be soothing. Justin Laube, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Apr. 2025 This nourishing formula is infused with shea butter and castor oil to moisturize, strengthen, and protect the hairline. Jailynn Taylor, Allure, 2 Apr. 2025 Each product is crafted to nourish and enhance, infused with Jamaican black castor oil for hair growth, lemongrass for scalp health, and rice bran oil for hydration. Melissa Noel, Essence, 8 Mar. 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 7 May. 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

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