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
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The suspect, according to what was found on his devices, discussed knowledge of access routes into the Louvre, possible placement of explosives inside the museum and production of ricin toxin, officials said. Aicha El Hammar Castano, ABC News, 12 May 2026 Toxicology testing was carried out on the two victims, with blood samples showing traces of the potent poison ricin, according to lawyers for the doctors. Barbie Latza Nadeau, CNN Money, 3 Apr. 2026 Per Corriere della Sera, traces of ricin were found in the blood of the two women as well as in Di Ielsi's hair. Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026 The Department of Homeland Security warned in a bulletin that these crimes have increased over the last five years and lists 17 cases since 2014 of people attempting to poison their family members, using toxins such as ricin and cyanide, resulting in at least 11 deaths. Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 5 Feb. 2026 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 19 May. 2026.

Medical Definition

ricin

noun
: a poisonous protein in the castor bean

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