camphor

noun
cam·​phor | \ ˈkam(p)-fər How to pronounce camphor (audio) \

Definition of camphor

: 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)

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Other Words from camphor

camphoraceous \ ˌkam(p)-​fə-​ˈrā-​shəs How to pronounce camphoraceous (audio) \ adjective

Examples of camphor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some children play in the lower branches of a camphor. National Geographic, "In search of the perfect cup of tea," 14 Mar. 2019 The original version was filmed between five and six frames per second on celluloid, a plastic material derived from camphor and nitrocellulose, and the entire film was digitized at nine frames per second to produce a higher quality picture. Daisy Hernandez, Popular Mechanics, "See the Oldest Known Footage of a Solar Eclipse," 3 June 2019 These patches also have camphor, menthol, and methyl salicylate in them (think: Icy Hot), which likely adds to the relief. The Editors, Marie Claire, "10 Health Issues CBD Could Solve," 17 Apr. 2019 In fact, many of them also come with ingredients like arnica, menthol, or camphor, which may all provide a more immediate sensation of soothing or pain relief. Sarah Jacoby, SELF, "Do Topical CBD Products Actually Do Anything for Pain?," 19 Apr. 2019 Also avoid products that contain any kind of harsh ingredients like alcohol, menthol, peppermint, eucalyptus, camphor, and lemon or lime, as well as synthetic fragrances. Molly Nover-baker, Redbook, "How to Get Rid of Annoying Acne, So You Don't Have to Feel Like a Miserable Teenager," 27 Dec. 2016 Classic Japanese materials such as camphor wood, washi paper and stone are blended to great effect with modern technology and luxurious fabrics. Scott Gilman, Town & Country, "How to Plan a Trip to Japan," 5 Oct. 2016 Esthetician and skin-care expert Renée Rouleau recommends using a mask with ingredients like sulfur, camphor, salicylic acid, tea tree oil, and clay, like her Rapid Response Detox Masque. Karina Hoshikawa, Teen Vogue, "How to Get Rid of Bacne: Acne Tips and Tricks," 1 June 2018 Volunteers in Santee planted live oaks, camphor and Arizona ash trees. Karen Pearlman, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Tree planting in Santee takes root," 23 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'camphor.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of camphor

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for camphor

Middle English caumfre, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin camphora, from Arabic kāfūr, from Malay kapur

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More Definitions for camphor

camphor

noun

English Language Learners Definition of camphor

: a white substance with a strong smell that is used in medicine and to keep insects away

camphor

noun
cam·​phor | \ ˈkam-fər How to pronounce camphor (audio) \

Kids Definition of camphor

: 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

camphor

noun
cam·​phor | \ ˈkam(p)-fər How to pronounce camphor (audio) \

Medical Definition of camphor

: 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)

Other Words from camphor

camphoric \ kam-​ˈfȯr-​ik, -​ˈfär-​ How to pronounce camphoric (audio) \ adjective

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