camphor

cam·phor  (kmfr)

n.

An aromatic crystalline compound, C₁₀H₁₆O, obtained naturally from the wood or leaves of the camphor tree or synthesized and used as an insect repellent, in the manufacture of film, plastics, lacquers, and explosives, and in medicine chiefly in external preparations to relieve mild pain and itching.

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[Middle English caumfre, from Anglo-Norman, from Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic kfr, possibly from Malay kapur; akin to Sanskrit karpra.]

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camphor·aceous (kmf-rshs) adj.

cam·phoric (-fôrk, -fr-) adj.

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camphor

Noun

a sweet-smelling crystalline substance obtained from the wood of the [camphor tree], which is used medicinally and in mothballs [Arabic kāfūr]

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camphor  (kmfr)

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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

camphor - a resin obtained from the camphor tree; used in making celluloid and liniment camphor ball, mothball - a small sphere of camphor or naphthalene used to keep moths away from stored clothing natural resin - a plant exudate celluloid - highly flammable substance made from cellulose nitrate and camphor; used in e.g. motion-picture and X-ray film; its use has decreased with the development of nonflammable thermoplastics