castor-oil plant

American  

[kas-ter-oil, kah-ster-] / ˈkæs tərˈɔɪl, ˈkɑ stər- /

noun

1. a tall plant, Ricinus communis, of the spurge family, cultivated for its ornamental foliage and having poisonous seeds that are the source of castor oil.

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castor-oil plant British  

noun

1. Also called (US and Canadian): castor bean.  a tall euphorbiaceous Indian plant, Ricinus communis, cultivated in tropical regions for ornament and for its poisonous seeds, from which castor oil is extracted

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Etymology

Origin of castor-oil plant

First recorded in 1835–45

Example Sentences

Our Indians had for torches long strips of the castor-oil plant, which the wind only ignited more thoroughly, and with these they led the way.

From Incidents of Travel in Yucatan, Vol. I. by Stephens, John L.

There are two varieties of castor-oil plant in this country—one with a purple stem and bright red veins in the leaves, that is remarkably handsome.

From The Albert N'Yanza, Great Basin of the Nile by Baker, Samuel White, Sir

They have a few small groves of palms; had just harvested some fair-sized dhourra-fields when we were last there; and had some fields of the castor-oil plant.

From Chambers's Edinburgh Journal, No. 462 Volume 18, New Series, November 6, 1852 by Chambers, Robert

When in the same plant there are unisexual flowers, both male and female, the plant is said to be monoecious, as in the hazel and castor-oil plant.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5 "Fleury, Claude" to "Foraker" by Various

The castor-oil plant is everywhere common, and furnishes most of the oil of the country.

From The Project Gutenberg Encyclopedia Volume 1 of 28 by Project Gutenberg