The Vietnamese word "thầu dầu" refers to the castor-oil plant, scientifically known as Ricinus communis. This plant is known for its distinctive seed pods and leaves, and it produces seeds that can be processed to extract castor oil, which is used for various purposes.
In more advanced discussions, you might encounter "thầu dầu" in contexts involving herbal medicine, industrial applications of castor oil, or even discussions about toxicology, as the seeds contain ricin, a potent toxin.
While "thầu dầu" primarily refers to the castor-oil plant, it can also be used metaphorically in some contexts to describe something that is potentially harmful or toxic, referencing the properties of the seeds.