Castoreum
/kæsˈtɔːr.i.əm/noun
A strong-smelling secretion from the castor sacs of beavers, historically used in medicine, perfumery, and flavoring.
Did you know?Castoreum was prized in traditional medicine for centuries, and its musky scent helped make beavers targets of intensive trapping across Europe and North America.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
κάστωρ (kástōr)
“Beaver; also the name of the mythical hero Castor”
Classical Latin
Latin
castor
“Beaver”
Classical Latin
Latin
castoreum
“The beaver’s secretion, especially the medicinal substance obtained from its castor sacs”
Medieval Latin
Latin
castoreum
“A pharmaceutical preparation made from beaver secretion”
Middle English
English
castoreum
“The medicinal or aromatic substance derived from a beaver”
Modern English
English
castoreum
“A beaver secretion used historically in medicine, perfumery, and flavoring”
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