Castor Meaning
/ˈkɑːs.tə/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounA hat made from the fur of the beaver.
nounA heavy quality of broadcloth for overcoats.
Sentence Examples
Castor and Pollux were twin brothers.
Some people believe that castor oil is good for hair.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The mechanic grabbed a small ____ of oil to lubricate the machine's gears.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ oil is a type of vegetable oil that has many medicinal uses tonight.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French castor, from Old French castor (“beaver”), from Latin castor (“beaver”), from Ancient Greek κάστωρ (kástōr), from Doric Greek κάστον (káston, “wood”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"I have been always noted for the jaunty manner in which I wear my castor—[…]"
— 1826, [Walter Scott], chapter V, in Woodstock; Or, The Cavalier. […], volume I, Edinburgh: […] [James Ballantyne and Co.] for Archibald Constable and Co.; London: Longman, Rees, Orme, Brown, and Green, →OCLC, page 135:
"Mrs. Hussey soon appeared, with a mustard-pot in one hand and a vinegar-cruet in the other, having just broken away from the occupation of attending to the castors, and scolding her little black boy meantime."
— 1851 November 14, Herman Melville, “The Ramadan”, in Moby-Dick; or, The Whale, 1st American edition, New York, N.Y.: Harper & Brothers; London: Richard Bentley, →OCLC, page 92:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The mechanic grabbed a small ____ of oil to lubricate the machine's gears.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ oil is a type of vegetable oil that has many medicinal uses tonight.