First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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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Origin of CAMPHOR
Middle English caumfre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic kāfūr, from Malay kapur
Rhymes with CAMPHOR
CAMPHORACEOUS 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
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