castor oil

American  

noun

1. a colorless to pale yellow, viscid liquid, usually obtained from the castor bean by a pressing process: used as a lubricant, in the manufacture of certain soaps and creams, and in medicine chiefly as a cathartic.

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castor oil British  

noun

1. a colourless or yellow glutinous oil obtained from the seeds of the castor-oil plant and used as a fine lubricant and as a cathartic

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Etymology

Origin of castor oil

1740–50; castor (perhaps variant spelling of caster ) + oil; perhaps so called because of its purgative effect

Example Sentences

The modified Arabidopsis overcame metabolic bottlenecks and produced significant amounts of an oil similar to castor oil that it doesn't naturally produce.

From Science Daily • Apr. 30, 2024

Newer products include a hair strengthening collection with biotin and Jamaican castor oil, and a wig care collection that uses apple cider vinegar to remove build-up from weaves and wigs.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2023

"It is made from British wool and a polymer of cashew nut and castor oil," said Mr Kershaw.

From BBC • Nov. 9, 2022

I even tried some of the suggestions you have offered: duct tape, tea tree oil, castor oil, iodine and vinegar soaks.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 26, 2022

He had to fight off castor oil and knittin needles and being blasted with hot steam and I don’t know what all you and Macon did.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison