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

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

The application of a poultice made from the pulverized leaves of the castor-oil plant is a most efficient remedy when milk fails to make its appearance in the breast in sufficient quantity after confinement.

From The Physical Life of Woman: Advice to the Maiden, Wife and Mother by Napheys, George H. (George Henry)

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 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 Rawlinson, George

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.