camphor
Americannoun
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a whitish, translucent, crystalline, pleasant-odored terpene ketone, C 10 H 16 O, obtained from the camphor tree, used chiefly in the manufacture of celluloid and in medicine as a counter-irritant for infections and in the treatment of pain and itching.
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any substance having medicinal or aromatic characteristics similar to those of camphor.
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of camphor
1275–1325; < Medieval Latin, New Latin camphora ≪ Arabic kāfūr < Malay kapur chalk, lime, camphor; replacing Middle English caumfre < Anglo-French < Medieval Latin
Vocabulary lists containing camphor
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This long block in Altadena — canopied with oaks and camphor trees and bookended by two roads — offered a rare small-town feel in the L.A. metropolis.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 14, 2025
As a rookie reporter, I often witnessed the frenzied brotherhood at first day, first-show screenings: coins tossed at the screen, camphor burnt, flowers showered, cut-outs doused in milk, fans screaming his name.
From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2025
This herb smells like anise — notes of lemon, pine, sage, black pepper and camphor abound.
From Salon ● Jan. 31, 2024
All parts of the plant, not just the blooms, are infused with volatile oils, a redolent floral aroma tempered with camphor.
From Seattle Times ● Jul. 23, 2022
Her secret prophylaxis was a white bag, filled and saturated with camphor, which she kept hidden in her bosom.
From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey
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