ricin

[ rahy-sin, ris-in ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a white, poisonous, protein powder from the bean of the castor-oil plant.

ricin

/ ˈrɪs-; ˈraɪsɪn /

noun

1. biochem a highly toxic protein, a lectin, derived from castor-oil seeds: used in experimental cancer therapy

ricin

/ rī′sĭn,rĭs′ĭn /

1. An extremely poisonous protein extracted from the castor bean. Ricin inhibits protein synthesis in cells, and is used as a biochemical reagent and in cancer research.

Word History and Origins

Origin of ricin¹

1895–1900; < New Latin Ricinus name of genus, Latin: castor-oil plant

Word History and Origins

Origin of ricin¹

C19: from New Latin Ricinus genus name, from Latin: castor-oil plant

Example Sentences

Prosecutors believed Kwan used a pesticide called iodomethane, although multiple other poisons, including the ingredients for making ricin, were found at his home along with numerous books, recipes and terrorism manuals about toxins.

From BBC

The police have publicly said that ricin was found in Axel Rudakubana’s home after it was searched following his arrest.

From BBC

On Wednesday, Mr Rudakubana appeared in court charged with production of the poison ricin and possession of a military study of the Al Qaeda training manual, an offence under terrorism legislation.

From BBC

The teenager accused of murdering three young girls in Southport has been charged with producing the poison ricin and possessing a military study of an al-Qaeda training manual.

From BBC

Castor plants are banned in the U.S. because they also produce ricin, a dangerous poison.

From Science Daily