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

Infused with menthol, eucalyptus and camphor, these strips open nasal passages while delivering soothing scents that make breathing feel easier and more comfortable. —Adam Mills, MSNBC Newsweek, 17 Sep. 2025

And its active ingredients deliver a one-two punch for your pain: Cooling menthol has a near-instant effect, while camphor’s warming properties soothes in a more sustained way. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 28 Aug. 2025

Fragrant additives like cinnamon or mint, and ostensibly soothing ingredients like camphor and menthol, may also irritate our lips rather than protect them. —Mark Hay, Popular Science, 13 Aug. 2025

The ceiba ritual starts with a rejuvenating and detoxifying body scrub, then an all over mask is applied to release muscle tension, and the heavenly treatment ends with a massage to improve circulation with camphor. —Miriam Porter, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025

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