curcas oil

noun

cur·​cas oil
ˈkərkəs-
: a colorless to yellowish cathartic fatty oil that contains a toxic principle, is obtained from physic nuts, and is used chiefly in medicine and soap-making

Word History

Etymology

New Latin curcas (specific epithet of Jatropha curcas), from Spanish curcaso

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Cite this Entry

“Curcas oil.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/curcas%20oil. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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