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

See Examples For:

castor-oil plant

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

Very singular are the seeds that have come to resemble beetles; among these may be mentioned the seeds of the castor-oil plant and of the Iatropha.

From Little Masterpieces of Science: The Naturalist as Interpreter and Seer by Iles, George

The figure is drawn on the floor with flour or rice, turmeric, charcoal powder, and leaves of the castor-oil plant.

From Omens and Superstitions of Southern India by Thurston, Edgar

The castor-oil plant is a perfect weed throughout Ceylon, being one of the few useful shrubs that will flourish in such poor soil without cultivation.

From Eight Years' Wanderings in Ceylon by Baker, Samuel White, Sir

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.