castoreum

[ ka-stawr-ee-uhm, -stohr- ]

noun

1. castor ( def 1 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of castoreum¹

< Latin < Greek kastórion, equivalent to kastor- (stem of kástōr ) beaver + -ion, neuter of -ios adj. suffix

Example Sentences

"They were hunted for predominantly their fur but also for the castoreum which is an internal gland that was used for medicinal purposes and, until very recently, in perfumes," said Robert Needham, restoration manager at Beaver Trust.

From BBC

To harvest castoreum, trappers kill beavers and remove their castor glands, which are dried and crushed.

From National Geographic

They then use alcohol to extract castoreum, similar to how vanilla is removed from the plant, Francl says.

From National Geographic

For over 2,000 years, people have turned to castoreum to cure all sorts of maladies, including fevers, stomach issues, and mental illnesses.

From National Geographic

According to some of these sources, castoreum is an ingredient in everything from ice cream to strawberry-flavored oatmeal.

From National Geographic