Definition of camphor Camphor

cam•phor

We found 8 definitions of camphor from 6 different sources.

What does camphor mean?

Noun Plural: camphors
camphor - a resin obtained from the camphor tree; used in making celluloid and liniment
		natural resin a plant exudate
		camphor ball, mothball a small sphere of camphor or naphthalene used to keep moths away from stored clothing
		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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camphor (Noun)
A white transparent waxy crystalline isoprenoid ketone, with a strong pungent odour, used in pharmacy.

camphor (n.)
A tough, white, aromatic resin, or gum, obtained from different species of the Laurus family, esp. from Cinnamomum camphara (the Laurus camphara of Linnaeus.). Camphor, C10H16O, is volatile and fragrant, and is used in medicine as a diaphoretic, a stimulant, or sedative.
camphor (n.)
A gum resembling ordinary camphor, obtained from a tree (Dryobalanops camphora) growing in Sumatra and Borneo; -- called also Malay camphor, camphor of Borneo, or borneol. See Borneol.
camphor (v. t.)
To impregnate or wash with camphor; to camphorate.

camphor
kam′for, n. a solid essential oil, mostly obtained from the camphor laurel of India, China, and Japan, having a peculiar hot aromatic taste and a pleasant smell.—adj. Camphorā′ceous, like camphor.—v.t. Cam′phorate, to impregnate with camphor.—adjs. Cam′phorate, Camphor′ic, pertaining to camphor. [Fr. camphre—Low L. camphora—Malay kapur, chalk.]