Definition

1. Noun:
   • A purgative extracted from the seed of the castor-oil plant: A thick, pale yellow vegetable oil obtained from the seeds of the castor bean plant (Ricinus communis), historically and medically used as a strong laxative.
   • An industrial oil used in paint and varnish: The same oil is also used in various manufacturing processes, such as a component in paints, varnishes, plastics, and lubricants.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The doctor recommended a dose of castor oil for severe constipation.
  • This high-quality varnish contains castor oil as a key ingredient to improve flexibility.

Advanced Usage

• "to administer castor oil": To give someone castor oil, typically for a medicinal purpose.
  • In the past, it was common to administer castor oil as a home remedy.

Variants and Related Words

• Castor-oil plant (n): The plant () from whose seeds castor oil is pressed.
  • The castor-oil plant can be grown in tropical and subtropical regions.

Synonyms

• Purgative: A substance used to stimulate bowel evacuation. (This describes its medical function, not the oil itself).
• Ricinus oil: Another technical name for castor oil.

Noun

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