castoreum
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of castoreum
< Latin < Greek kastórion, equivalent to kastor- (stem of kástōr ) beaver + -ion, neuter of -ios adj. suffix
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Beavers were hunted to extinction in Britain 400 years ago for their meat, furry water-resistant pelts and a substance they secrete called castoreum - used in food, medicine and perfume.
From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2025
While people have used castoreum for medicinal purposes and, yes, to flavor perfumes and foods since ancient times, today there’s almost nothing in the grocery store today that contains castoreum.
From National Geographic ● Nov. 15, 2023
According to the 2022 book, castoreum can contain more than 75 different chemical compounds—an unusually high diversity.
From National Geographic ● Nov. 15, 2023
“It’s a very distinctive smell, castoreum … it’s kind of musky, but sweet,” says Campbell-Palmer.
From National Geographic ● Nov. 15, 2023
As soon as he discovers one, he sets his trap, secured to a chain fastened to a stake or tree, baiting it with the tempting castoreum.
From The Western World Picturesque Sketches of Nature and Natural History in North and South America by William Henry Giles Kingston
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
