noun

• A highly toxic protein obtained from the pressed seeds of the castor-oil plant.

  ‘There was a previous radiation study of ricin, a dimeric molecule linked by a single disulfide bridge.’

  More example sentences

  • ‘Signs and symptoms of ricin poisoning depend on whether a person inhales or ingests ricin.’
  • ‘Studies have been performed on ricin as a possible anticancer agent.’
  • ‘Inside the flat, police found traces of ricin, castor oil beans and equipment for crushing the beans.’
  • ‘Because castor beans are readily available, public health officials warn that ricin could be used for terrorism.’