Castor-oil


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.
Historical Examples

The castor-oil plant is found growing abundantly in Sumatra, particularly near the sea-shore.
A Catechism of Familiar Things; Their History, and the Events Which Led to Their Discovery Benziger Brothers

She gave it castor-oil, and it recovered, but has never sung since that time.
Harper’s Young People, July 6, 1880 Various

This is probably the case with such as castor-oil, Scammony, and Jalap, which are simply cathartic in their action.
The Action of Medicines in the System Frederick William Headland

They took ipecacuanha, castor-oil, or sulphate of soda, as if they enjoyed them.
Indo-China and Its Primitive People Henry Baudesson

It is said that without the use of castor-oil it is impossible to hold full power for five hours.
Aviation Engines Victor Wilfred Pag

Three wicks steeped in castor-oil are put in it, and lighted.
Omens and Superstitions of Southern India Edgar Thurston

She was then beaten with a switch made from the castor-oil plant.
Omens and Superstitions of Southern India Edgar Thurston

He went away for a dust bath under the castor-oil bushes, while Teddy’s father beat the dead Karait.
The Jungle Book Rudyard Kipling

Surrounding the village were a dense grove of plantain trees, castor-oil bushes, and cattle pens.
Castes and Tribes of Southern India Edgar Thurston

The castor-oil plant is a green and succulent shoot about six feet in height, with white flowers hanging in bunches like hops.
Lippincott’s Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 15, No. 89, May, 1875 Various

noun
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

castor oil cas·tor oil (kās’tər)
n.
A colorless or pale yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the castor-oil plant, used pharmaceutically as a laxative and skin softener and industrially as a lubricant.

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