Camphor definition

kămfər
A fragrant white or colorless crystalline ketone, C10 H16 O, obtained naturally from the wood of the camphor tree or synthesized from pinene and used as an insect repellent, in the manufacture of film, plastics, lacquers, and in medicine chiefly in external preparations to relieve mild pain and itching.
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A fragrant white or colorless crystalline ketone, C10 H16 O, obtained naturally from the wood of the camphor tree or synthesized from pinene and used as an insect repellent, in the manufacture of film, plastics, lacquers, and in medicine chiefly in external preparations to relieve mild pain and itching.
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A volatile, crystalline ketone, C10H16O, with a strong characteristic odor, derived from the wood of the camphor tree or synthetically from pinene: used to protect fabrics from moths, in manufacturing cellulose plastics, and in medicine as an irritant and stimulant.
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Any of several derivatives of terpenes.
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A white, gumlike, crystalline compound that has a strong odor. Camphor is volatile and is used as an insect repellent and in making plastics and explosives. Chemical formula: C10H16O.
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(organic chemistry) A white transparent waxy crystalline isoprenoid ketone, with a strong pungent odour, used in pharmacy.
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Origin of camphor

  • Middle English caumfre from Anglo-Norman from Medieval Latin camphora from Arabic kāfūr possibly from Malay kapur Sanskrit karpūraḥ

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Old French camphore or Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic كافور (kāfūr), from Middle Persian (kāpūr), ultimately from Malay kapur, possibly via Sanskrit कर्पुर (karpura).

    From Wiktionary

Camphor Sentence Examples

  • Tea and camphor are the staple exports.

  • In 1755 Menghini published an elaborate study of the action of camphor on a great variety of different kinds of animals.

  • The motion of small pieces of camphor floating on water arises from the gradual solution of the camphor.

  • If the hoop enclose an area of (say) one-third of the maximum, and if the water be clean, camphor fragments floating on the interior enter with vigorous movements.

  • Gutta-percha (getah percha in the vernacular), camphor, cinnamon, cloves, nutmegs, gambir and betel, or areca-nuts, are all produced in the island; most of the tropical fruits flourish, including the much-admired but, to the uninitiated, most evil-smelling durian, a large fruit with an exceedingly strong outer covering composed of stout pyramidal spikes, which grows upon the branches of a tall tree and occasionally in falling inflicts considerable injuries upon passers-by.

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