castor oil A vegetable oil extracted from the purple-streaked seeds of the castor oil plant (Ricinis communis). Once widely used as a laxative, castor oil is now widely used as a lubricant (see lubrication) and in the manufacture of oil and varnish. Related category • ORGANIC CHEMISTRY Also on this site: Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living Encyclopedia of History Transport Concepts & Designs (partner site) |