camphor

noun

cam·​phor ˈkam(p)-fər 

: 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)

camphoraceous

ˌkam(p)-fə-ˈrā-shəs 

adjective

Examples of camphor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There are several topical analgesic (pain-relieving) creams that contain turmeric and other ingredients like menthol, camphor, and methyl salicylate. —Rebeca Schiller, Verywell Health, 16 May 2025

The pain balm contains anise, camphor, ginger and peppermint. —Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025

Active ingredients that make up this serum include: the proprietary Healing Concentrate, camphor, and salicylic acid. —Bianca Salonga, Forbes, 26 Mar. 2025

Avoid ingredients like alcohol, camphor, glycolic acid, fragrances, lactic acid, menthol, sodium lauryl sulfate, or urea. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing camphor

• camphor tree

Rhymes for camphor

• chamfer

Kids Definition

camphor

noun

cam·​phor ˈkam(p)-fər 

: a tough gummy fragrant compound obtained especially from the wood and bark of the camphor tree and used in medicine and as an insect repellent

Medical Definition

camphor

noun

cam·​phor ˈkam(p)-fər 

: 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)

camphoric

kam-ˈfȯr-ik, -ˈfär- 

adjective