1 castoreum | Definition of castoreum
Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

castoreum

noun
cas·​to·​re·​um | \ ka-ˈstȯr-Ä“-É™m How to pronounce castoreum (audio) \

Definition of castoreum

: a bitter strong-smelling creamy orange-brown substance that consists of the dried perineal glands of the beaver and their secretion and is used especially by perfumers

— called also castor

Examples of castoreum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Tamworth Distillery, whose bourbon was earlier reported on by the local news outlet Concord Monitor, hasn’t been shy about including beaver castoreum in its booze. — Don Reisinger, Fortune, "This Bourbon's Secret Ingredient Comes From a Beaver," 13 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'castoreum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of castoreum

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for castoreum

Middle English castorium, from Latin castoreum, from castor

Keep scrolling for more

More from Merriam-Webster on castoreum

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with castoreum

WORD OF THE DAY

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!