Camphor

Camphor
Camphor Cam"phor (k[a^]m"f[~e]r), n. [OE. camfere, F. camphre (cf. It. canfora, Sp. camfora, alcanfor, LL. canfora, camphora, NGr. kafoyra`), fr. Ar. k[=a]f[=u]r, prob. fr. Skr. karp[=u]ra.] 1. A tough, white, aromatic resin, or gum, obtained from different species of the {Laurus} family, esp. from {Cinnamomum camphara} (the {Laurus camphora} of Linn[ae]us.). Camphor, {C10H16O}, is volatile and fragrant, and is used in medicine as a diaphoretic, a stimulant, or sedative. [1913 Webster]

2. originally, a gum resembling ordinary camphor, obtained from a tree ({Dryobalanops aromatica} formerly {Dryobalanops camphora}) growing in Sumatra and Borneo; now applied to its main constituent, a terpene alcohol obtainable as a white solid {C10H18O}, called also {Borneo camphor}, {Malay camphor}, {Malayan camphor}, {camphor of Borneo}, {Sumatra camphor}, {bornyl alcohol}, {camphol}, and {borneol}. The isomer from {Dryobalanops} is dextrorotatory; the levoratatory form is obtainable from other species of plants, and the racemic mixture may be obtained by reduction of camphor. It is used in perfumery, and for manufacture of its esters. See {Borneol}. [1913 Webster +PJC]

Note: The name camphor is also applied to a number of bodies of similar appearance and properties, as {cedar camphor}, obtained from the red or pencil cedar ({Juniperus Virginiana}), and {peppermint camphor}, or {menthol}, obtained from the oil of peppermint. [1913 Webster]

{Camphor oil} (Chem.), name variously given to certain oil-like products, obtained especially from the camphor tree.

{Camphor tree}, a large evergreen tree ({Cinnamomum Camphora}) with lax, smooth branches and shining triple-nerved lanceolate leaves, probably native in China, but now cultivated in most warm countries. Camphor is collected by a process of steaming the chips of the wood and subliming the product. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • camphor — [kam′fər] n. [ME camfre < OFr camphre < ML camfora < Ar kāfūr < Sans karpuraḥ, camphor tree] 1. a volatile, crystalline ketone, C10H16O, with a strong characteristic odor, derived from the wood of the camphor tree or synthetically… …   English World dictionary

  • Camphor — Cam phor, v. t. To impregnate or wash with camphor; to camphorate. [R.] Tatler. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • camphor — substance extensively used in medicine, early 14c., caumfre, from O.Fr. camphre, from M.L. camfora, from Arabic kafur (Skt. karpuram), from Malay kapur camphor tree. Related: Camphorated …   Etymology dictionary

  • Camphor — Camphor, so v.w. Campher, s.d …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

  • camphor — ► NOUN ▪ a white volatile crystalline substance with an aromatic smell and bitter taste, occurring in certain essential oils. ORIGIN Latin camphora, from Sanskrit …   English terms dictionary

  • Camphor — For other uses, see Camphor (disambiguation). Camphor[1][2] …   Wikipedia

  • camphor — camphoraceous /kam feuh ray sheuhs/, adj. camphoric /kam fawr ik, for /, adj. /kam feuhr/, n. Chem., Pharm. 1. a whitish, translucent, crystalline, pleasant odored terpene ketone, C10H16O, obtained from the camphor tree, used chiefly in the… …   Universalium

  • camphor — kamparinis cinamonas statusas T sritis vardynas apibrėžtis Lauramedinių šeimos medieninis, vaistinis augalas (Cinnamomum camphora), iš kurio gaunamas eterinis aliejus. Paplitęs rytų Azijoje. atitikmenys: lot. Cinnamomum camphora; Laurus camphora… …   Lithuanian dictionary (lietuvių žodynas)

  • camphor — A substance that comes from the wood and bark of the camphor tree or is made in the laboratory. It has a very unique smell and taste and is used in commercial products (for example, mothballs). Camphor is used in topical anti infective and anti… …   English dictionary of cancer terms

  • camphor — noun Etymology: Middle English caumfre, from Anglo French, from Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic kāfūr, from Malay kapur Date: 14th century a tough gummy volatile aromatic crystalline compound C10H16O obtained especially from the wood and… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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