castoreum

noun

cas·​to·​re·​um ka-ˈstȯr-ē-əm How to pronounce castoreum (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Notes: Rose, red fruits, cinnamon, benzoin, incense, patchouli, sandalwood, castoreum Size: 6.8 oz Perfumehead Room No. — Jenny Berg, Vogue, 16 Dec. 2024 Animal excretions such as deer musk; castoreum, from beavers; and civet, from the perineal glands of a mammal of the same name, are no longer considered humane. — Rachel Syme, The New Yorker, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English castorium, from Latin castoreum, from castor

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of castoreum was in the 14th century

Rhymes for castoreum

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Browse Nearby Words

castorette
castoreum
castor gray
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Cite this Entry

“Castoreum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/castoreum. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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