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
Related beavers can also recognize their family members’ individual castoreum scents, which is also a useful tool for Campbell-Palmer.
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
According to some of these sources, castoreum is an ingredient in everything from ice cream to strawberry-flavored oatmeal.
From National Geographic ● Nov. 15, 2023
Then one of the maids said she heard him asking the mistress if she had any oil of bergamot, and if there was any castoreum left in the house.
From Winter Adventures of Three Boys by J. E. Laughlin
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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.
