camphor

noun cam·phor \ˈkam(p)-fər\

: a white substance with a strong smell that is used in medicine and to keep insects away

Full Definition of CAMPHOR

: a tough gummy volatile aromatic crystalline compound C₁₀H₁₆O obtained especially from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and used as a liniment and mild topical analgesic in medicine, as a plasticizer, and as an insect repellent; also : any of several similar compounds (as some terpene alcohols and ketones)

— cam·pho·ra·ceous \ˌkam(p)-fə-ˈrā-shəs\ adjective

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See camphor defined for kids

Origin of CAMPHOR

Middle English caumfre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic kāfūr, from Malay kapur

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with CAMPHOR

chamfer

CAMPHOR Defined for Kids

camphor

noun cam·phor \ˈkam-fər\

Definition of CAMPHOR for Kids

: a white fragrant solid that comes from the wood and bark of a tall Asian tree (camphor tree) and is used mostly in medicine, in making plastics, and to repel moths

Medical Dictionary

camphor

noun cam·phor \ˈkam(p)-fər\

Medical Definition of CAMPHOR

: a tough gummy volatile aromatic crystalline compound C₁₀H₁₆O obtained especially from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and used topically as a liniment and mild analgesic, as a plasticizer, and as an insect repellent; also : any of several similar compounds (as some terpene alcohols and ketones)

—cam·phor·ic \kam-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär-\ adjective