Castorization
/ˌkæs.təˈraɪ.zə.ʃən/noun
The process of treating materials with castoreum, a substance derived from beaver glands.
Did you know?Castoreum, historically used in perfume and medicine, was harvested from beavers and linked to ancient rituals of fertility and love.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
castor
“beaver, known for its aromatic glands.”
Middle Ages
Old French
castor
“a beaver, valued for its pelts and secretions.”
12th Century
Middle English
castor
“beaver, recognized for its role in trade and medicine.”
19th Century
English
castoreum
“an oily secretion from beavers used in perfumes and tonics.”
20th Century
English
castorization
“the process involving the use of castoreum in manufacturing scents.”
Explore more surprising origins