Camphor

n. [ OE. camfere, F. camphre (cf. It. canfora, Sp. camfora, alcanfor, LL. canfora, camphora, NGr. kafoyra`), fr. Ar. kāfūr, prob. fr. Skr. karpūra. ] 1. A tough, white, aromatic resin, or gum, obtained from different species of the Laurus family, esp. from Cinnamomum camphara (the Laurus camphora of Linnæus.). Camphor, C10H16O, is volatile and fragrant, and is used in medicine as a diaphoretic, a stimulant, or sedative. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. originally, a gum resembling ordinary camphor, obtained from a tree (Dryobalanops aromatica formerly Dryobalanops camphora) growing in Sumatra and Borneo; now applied to its main constituent, a terpene alcohol obtainable as a white solid C10H18O, called also Borneo camphor, Malay camphor, Malayan camphor, camphor of Borneo, Sumatra camphor, bornyl alcohol, camphol, and borneol. The isomer from Dryobalanops is dextrorotatory; the levoratatory form is obtainable from other species of plants, and the racemic mixture may be obtained by reduction of camphor. It is used in perfumery, and for manufacture of its esters. See Borneol. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

☞ The name camphor is also applied to a number of bodies of similar appearance and properties, as cedar camphor, obtained from the red or pencil cedar (Juniperus Virginiana), and peppermint camphor, or menthol, obtained from the oil of peppermint. [ 1913 Webster ]

Camphor oil (Chem.), name variously given to certain oil-like products, obtained especially from the camphor tree. --
Camphor tree, a large evergreen tree (Cinnamomum Camphora) with lax, smooth branches and shining triple-nerved lanceolate leaves, probably native in China, but now cultivated in most warm countries. Camphor is collected by a process of steaming the chips of the wood and subliming the product. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of the nature of camphor; containing camphor. Dunglison. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. camphorate. ] (Chem.) A salt of camphoric acid. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To impregnate or treat with camphor. [ 1913 Webster ]

{ } Combined or impregnated with camphor. [ 1913 Webster ]

Camphorated oil, an oleaginous preparation containing camphor, much used as an embrocation. [ 1913 Webster ]