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

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 George Iles

The cultivation of the olive and the castor-oil plant are industries for which this soil and climate are extraordinarily well adapted.

From Explorations in Australia, Illustrated, by John Forrest

The castor-oil plant is cultivated in the plain of Edlib.

From The Seven Great Monarchies Of The Ancient Eastern World, Vol 4. (of 7): Babylon The History, Geography, And Antiquities Of Chaldaea, Assyria, Babylon, Media, Persia, Parthia, And Sassanian or New Persian Empire; With Maps and Illustrations. by George Rawlinson

Among totemistic names are Baghela, tiger, also the name of a Rājpūt sept; Kutria, a dog; Khajūria, the date-palm tree; Mirchaunia, chillies; Andwār, from the castor-oil plant; Bhainsaiya, a buffalo; and Nāk, the nose.

From The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India - Volume IV of IV Kumhar-Yemkala by R. V. (Robert Vane) Russell

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 Sir Samuel White Baker