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 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Medicated ointments containing ingredients such as eucalyptus, peppermint, or camphor. 
Emilia Benton, Men's Health, 29 Aug. 2022 Aged Puerh tea often comes with the smell of camphor mothballs and old newspaper, which some would say is normal. Maggie Hiufu Wong, CNN, 22 Mar. 2022 The travel-size toothpaste-like tube contains a cooling ointment made with pain-relieving camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate. Rachel Ng, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2021 Weathers also collects and uses camphor glass in some of her jewelry designs. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Celluloid depended on Taiwanese camphor as a solvent and plasticizer. Rebecca Altman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2022 So time had a scent, of warm, sweet sandalwood, cooling camphor, cypress with its evergreen kiss — and under it all, a char on the air, a memory of something set on fire. New York Times, 10 Sep. 2021 Other ingredients were less potable: camphor and quicklime, varnish and vinegar. The New York Times, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2021 But the research just isn't there to say whether the other stuff that brands advertise leaving out — like xylene, gluten, and camphor — is harmful or penetrates nails, says Rieder. Allure, 12 Sep. 2021 See More
Emilia Benton, Men's Health, 29 Aug. 2022 Aged Puerh tea often comes with the smell of camphor mothballs and old newspaper, which some would say is normal. Maggie Hiufu Wong, CNN, 22 Mar. 2022 The travel-size toothpaste-like tube contains a cooling ointment made with pain-relieving camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate. Rachel Ng, Outside Online, 14 Aug. 2021 Weathers also collects and uses camphor glass in some of her jewelry designs. Kyle Roderick, Forbes, 25 Mar. 2022 Celluloid depended on Taiwanese camphor as a solvent and plasticizer. Rebecca Altman, The Atlantic, 15 Mar. 2022 So time had a scent, of warm, sweet sandalwood, cooling camphor, cypress with its evergreen kiss — and under it all, a char on the air, a memory of something set on fire. New York Times, 10 Sep. 2021 Other ingredients were less potable: camphor and quicklime, varnish and vinegar. The New York Times, Arkansas Online, 10 Oct. 2021 But the research just isn't there to say whether the other stuff that brands advertise leaving out — like xylene, gluten, and camphor — is harmful or penetrates nails, says Rieder. Allure, 12 Sep. 2021 See More 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
Kids Definition
camphor
noun
cam·phor ˈkam-fər
: 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 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)