camphor
[ kam-fer ]
/ ˈkæm fər /
noun Chemistry, Pharmacology.
a whitish, translucent, crystalline, pleasant-odored terpene ketone, C10H16O, obtained from the camphor tree, used chiefly in the manufacture of celluloid and in medicine as a counter-irritant for infections and in the treatment of pain and itching.
any substance having medicinal or aromatic characteristics similar to those of camphor.
Origin of camphor
1275–1325; < Medieval Latin, New Latin
camphora ≪ Arabic
kāfūr < Malay
kapur chalk, lime, camphor; replacing Middle English
caumfre < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin
OTHER WORDS FROM camphor
cam·phor·a·ceous [kam-fuh-rey-shuh s] /ˌkæm fəˈreɪ ʃəs/, adjective cam·phor·ic [kam-fawr-ik, -for-] /kæmˈfɔr ɪk, -ˈfɒr-/, adjectiveWords nearby camphor
campfire,
campground,
camphene,
camphire,
camphol,
camphor,
camphor ball,
camphor ice,
camphor laurel,
camphor oil,
camphor tree
Example sentences from the Web for camphor
British Dictionary definitions for camphor
camphor
/ (ˈkæmfə) /
noun
a whitish crystalline aromatic terpene ketone obtained from the wood of the camphor tree or made from pinene: used in the manufacture of celluloid and in medicine as a liniment and treatment for colds. Formula: C 10 H 16 O
Derived forms of camphor
camphoric (kæmˈfɒrɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for camphor
C15: from Old French
camphre, from Medieval Latin
camphora, from Arabic
kāfūr, from Malay
kāpūr chalk; related to Khmer
kāpōr camphor
Medical definitions for camphor
camphor
[ kăm′fər ]
n.
An aromatic crystalline compound obtained from the wood or leaves of the camphor tree or synthesized and used as an insect repellent and in external preparations to relieve mild pain and itching.
Scientific definitions for camphor
camphor
[ kăm′fər ]
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.