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camphor

   Also found in: Medical, Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.15 sec.
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.

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

camphor·aceous (kmf-rshs) adj.
cam·phoric (-fôrk, -fr-) adj.

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

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.
ThesaurusLegend:  Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
Noun1.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

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I then took leave of him, and exchanging my merchandise for sandal and aloes wood, camphor, nutmegs, cloves, pepper, and ginger, I embarked upon the same vessel and traded so successfully upon our homeward voyage that I arrived in Balsora with about one hundred thousand sequins.
Half an hour after, Jo went to `Mother's closet' for something, and there found little Beth sitting on the medicine chest, looking very grave, with red eyes and a camphor bottle in her hand.
An odour of camphor and burnt vinegar warned me when I came near the fever room: and I passed its door quickly, fearful lest the nurse who sat up all night should hear me.
 
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