castor oil

/'kɑ:stər'ɔil/

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Explanation of "Castor Oil"

Definition:
Castor oil is a thick, yellowish oil that comes from the seeds of the castor-oil plant. It is used for two main purposes: medically, as a laxative to help with constipation, and industrially, in products like paint and varnish.

Usage Instructions

1. Medical Use: Castor oil can be taken by mouth in small amounts to relieve constipation. It's important to follow instructions on the label or consult a doctor before using it.

2. Industrial Use: In paints and varnishes, castor oil helps to improve texture and drying time. It is not something you would use in cooking.

Example Sentences

• Medical Context: "When I had a stomach ache, my grandmother suggested I take a teaspoon of castor oil."
• Industrial Context: "The artist used castor oil in her paint to create a smoother finish."

Advanced Usage

• In Alternative Medicine: Some people use castor oil for skin care and hair growth, claiming it hydrates the skin and makes hair shinier.
• In Chemistry: Castor oil is sometimes used in the production of biodiesel and other organic compounds.

Word Variants

• Castor Plant: Refers to the actual plant from which castor oil is derived.
• Castor Bean: The seed of the castor-oil plant, which is processed to extract the oil.

Different Meanings

• Castor: The term can also refer to a type of beaver or to "castor" as a fabric made from beaver fur.

Synonyms

• Purgative: This word refers to a substance that causes evacuation of the bowels, similar to how castor oil is used medically.
• Ricinoleic Acid: The main fatty acid found in castor oil.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "castor oil," but you might hear phrases like "oil the wheels," which means to make something easier or smoother, similar to how castor oil can smoothen paint.

Summary

In summary, castor oil is a versatile substance used both for health and industrial purposes. It’s important to use it correctly, especially for medicinal purposes.

Academic

Noun

1. a purgative extracted from the seed of the castor-oil plant; used in paint and varnish as well as medically