camphor
|cam-phor|
🇺🇸
/ˈkæmfər/
🇬🇧
/ˈkæmfə/
strong-smelling white resin
Etymology
'camphor' originates from Arabic, specifically the word 'kafūr', ultimately from the Sanskrit word 'karpūra'.
'camphor' changed from Sanskrit 'karpūra' to Arabic 'kafūr', then to Medieval Latin 'camphora' and Old French 'camphre', and eventually became the modern English word 'camphor'.
Initially it meant 'the aromatic, volatile substance obtained from certain trees', and over time it has retained this core meaning while extending to synthetic camphor and related preparations.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a white, crystalline, volatile substance with a strong aromatic odor, obtained from the wood of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) or produced synthetically; used in medicine, as a moth repellent, in incense, and in some industrial applications.
Camphor is used in some topical ointments to relieve cough and minor aches.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/08/28 09:49