castor
word
Definition
‘Castor’ is mainly used for three things: a large aquatic rodent with a flat tail (the beaver), a small wheel on furniture that allows it to roll, and the plant known as castor bean (source of castor oil).
Usage & Nuances
'Castor' as the animal (beaver) is more common in British English. As a wheel, it's technical/furniture jargon. 'Castor oil' refers to oil from the plant, not the animal. Spelling is different from 'caster' (not interchangeable in furniture contexts).
Example Sentences
A castor builds dams in rivers.
basic
My chair has a broken castor.
basic
The castors on my suitcase make traveling so much easier.
natural
Did you know a castor can cut down a tree with its teeth?
natural
We made oil from the castor plant.
basic
My grandmother swears by using castor oil for her hair.
natural