Castor
- noun
- /ˈkæstər/
- Specialized
:
castor
- The castor uses its strong teeth to fell trees, creating habitat for itself and other wildlife.
Examples
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The castor is well-known for constructing intricate dams in rivers and ponds.
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Castoreum is a substance made from beavers' castor sacs or anal scent glands.
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In the wetlands, a castor can often be seen swimming with its flat tail propelling it through the water.
Compounds
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A pale yellow oil from castor seeds that people use to treat constipation and to make paints and varnishes
A large tropical shrub with big hand-shaped leaves and spiny seed pods that give seeds used to make castor oil
- Specialized
A large beaver that lives in and near rivers in Europe and northern Asia
A large tropical bush with wide leaves that has seeds used for castor oil and contains a poison called ricin
Surface Forms
Etymology
Castor for the beaver genus comes from the old Greek name Kastor, which meant 'beaver'. Naturalists used that old name when they gave the scientific name to the group, so Castor now refers to the beaver genus.