castor oil

noun

: a pale viscous fatty oil from castor beans used especially as a cathartic and as a lubricant and plasticizer

Examples of castor oil in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This treatment’s natural ingredients, castor oil, ginger, and rice water, stimulate hair growth from the roots down, repair split ends, and prevent future breakage for fuller, healthier locks. —Maya Gandara, StyleCaster, 25 June 2024

The product’s only ingredient, castor oil, is extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis (castor oil) plant and is known for strengthening and thickening hair on the scalp, brows, and lashes. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024

The castor oil is also cold-pressed, meaning the seeds are crushed instead of extracted with heat or chemicals. —Toni Sutton, Peoplemag, 23 May 2024

In that case, consider something like castor oil which can both strengthen and thicken them. —Larry Stansbury, Essence, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from its former use as a substitute for castoreum in medicine

First Known Use

1746, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

castor oil

noun

: a pale thick oil obtained from castor beans and used chiefly as a lubricant or a laxative

Medical Definition

castor oil

noun

: a pale viscous fatty oil from castor beans used especially as a cathartic or lubricant