camphor

noun

cam·​phor ˈkam(p)-fər 

: 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 (such as some terpene alcohols and ketones)

camphoraceous

ˌkam(p)-fə-ˈrā-shəs 

adjective

Examples of camphor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The 6 Best Motion Sensor Lights of 2024, According to Testing Mothballs, camphor, and ammonia should not be used outdoors as animal repellents. —Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Sep. 2024

The polish is made without harsh chemicals like formaldehyde, resin, and camphor. —Lauren Finney Harden, Southern Living, 9 Aug. 2024

These products contain lidocaine, menthol, capsaicin, and camphor to cool, heat, or numb the affected back area. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

Common culprits are menthol (a substance found in mint plants), camphor (a waxy substance from the camphor tree), benzocaine (commonly used as a pain reliever and often found in cough medicine) and beeswax. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 2 Feb. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing camphor

• camphor tree

Kids Definition

camphor

noun

cam·​phor ˈkam(p)-fər 

: a tough gummy fragrant compound obtained especially from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and used in medicine and as an insect repellent

Medical Definition

camphor

noun

cam·​phor ˈkam(p)-fər 

: 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)

camphoric

kam-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär- 

adjective