How Do You Spell CASTOR?

Pronunciation: [kˈastə] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "castor" can be a bit confusing due to the various ways it can be spelled. The word refers to a genus of beavers, as well as a type of wheel or caster used in furniture. The accepted spelling for the beaver is "castor," while the accepted spelling for the wheel is "caster." Both words are pronounced with the same short "a" sound, represented phonetically as /kæstər/. It's important to use the correct spelling depending on the context in which the word is used.

CASTOR Meaning and Definition

  1. Castor can refer to different meanings depending on the context. Firstly, castor is a noun that describes a large, semi-aquatic mammal native to North America, commonly known as the beaver. This animal is known for its webbed hind feet and its ability to construct dams and lodges using logs and branches. Castor can also refer to a specific part of the beaver's anatomy, which is a secretion called castoreum. This substance, found in the castor sacs located between the beaver's pelvis and base of the tail, has a strong scent and is used by the animal for marking its territory.

    Moreover, castor can also designate a small wheel or a set of wheels attached to the bottom of an object or piece of furniture to facilitate movement. These wheels are typically made of hard rubber or plastic, and they allow for easy rolling or swiveling of the object. Castors are commonly found on chairs, beds, carts, and other items that require mobility.

    Additionally, castor refers to a group of oily substances obtained from the seeds of the castor plant (Ricinus communis). These substances, particularly castor oil, have various industrial and medicinal uses. Castor oil is known for its lubricating properties, making it suitable for machinery and other mechanical applications. It is also utilized in cosmetics, soaps, and pharmaceutical products due to its moisturizing and laxative effects.

  2. Castoreum.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. A beaver; also a drug taken from it.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for CASTOR *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for CASTOR

Etymology of CASTOR

The word "castor" has its origins in Latin. It comes from the Latin term "castoreum", which refers to the odoriferous substance found in the scent glands of beavers. This term, in turn, derives from the Greek word "kastor" (καστόρ), also meaning beaver.

Idioms with the word CASTOR

  • castor oil artist The idiom "castor oil artist" refers to someone who presents or performs something that is unpleasant or difficult to accept, often with the intention of benefiting the recipient in the long run. This term is derived from the idea that castor oil, although unpleasant to consume, has several health benefits. Similarly, a "castor oil artist" may present something uncomfortable or displeasing, but with the intention of providing some sort of improvement or growth.

Similar spelling words for CASTOR

Plural form of CASTOR is CASTORS

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