Castor

//ˈkɑːs.tə// name, noun

Definitions

Proper Noun
  1. 1
    One of the Dioscuri Greek
  2. 2
    A double star in the constellation Gemini; alpha (α) Geminorum.
  3. 3
    A village and civil parish in city of Peterborough district, Cambridgeshire, England (OS grid ref TL1298).
  4. 4
    A town in the County of Paintearth, Alberta, Canada. From French castor (“beaver”).
  5. 5
    A village in Bienville Parish, Louisiana, United States. From French castor (“beaver”).
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  1. 6
    A surname.
Noun
  1. 1
    A hat made from the fur of the beaver. countable, uncountable

    "I have been always noted for the jaunty manner in which I wear my castor—[…]"

  2. 2
    A variety of petalite found in Elba. uncountable
  3. 3
    Alternative spelling of caster, especially in its senses; A pivoting roller attached to the bottom of furniture to allow it to be moved. UK, especially
  4. 4
    a hat made with the fur of a beaver (or similar material) wordnet
  5. 5
    A heavy quality of broadcloth for overcoats. countable, uncountable
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  1. 6
    Alternative spelling of caster, especially in its senses; A container with a perforated cap for sprinkling its contents, especially salt, pepper, etc. UK, especially

    "Mrs. Hussey soon appeared, with a mustard-pot in one hand and a vinegar-cruet in the other, having just broken away from the occupation of attending to the castors, and scolding her little black boy meantime."

  2. 7
    a pivoting roller attached to the bottom of furniture or trucks or portable machines to make them movable wordnet
  3. 8
    Castoreum (bitter exudate of mature beavers). countable, uncountable
  4. 9
    a shaker with a perforated top for sprinkling powdered sugar wordnet
  5. 10
    Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Ariadne, of Africa and Asia. countable, uncountable

Etymology

Etymology 1

From Middle French castor, from Old French castor (“beaver”), from Latin castor (“beaver”), from Ancient Greek κάστωρ (kástōr), from Doric Greek κάστον (káston, “wood”).

Etymology 2

Named from Greek mythology; see Castor and Pollux. The name pollux was given to another mineral with which it was always found.

Etymology 3

Alternative spelling of caster, via cast + -or (the Latinate varient of -er).

Etymology 4

From Ancient Greek Κάστωρ (Kástōr), from Ancient Greek κάστωρ (kástōr, “beaver”).

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