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1. WordNet® 3.0 (2006)
camphor
    n 1: a resin obtained from the camphor tree; used in making
         celluloid and liniment

2. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Camphor \Cam"phor\ (k[a^]m"f[~e]r), n. [OE. camfere, F. camphre
   (cf. It. canfora, Sp. camfora, alcanfor, LL. canfora,
   camphora, NGr. kafoyra`), fr. Ar. k[=a]f[=u]r, prob. fr. Skr.
   karp[=u]ra.]
   1. A tough, white, aromatic resin, or gum, obtained from
      different species of the Laurus family, esp. from
      Cinnamomum camphara (the Laurus camphora of
      Linn[ae]us.). 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]

   Note: 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]

3. The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Camphor \Cam"phor\, v. t.
   To impregnate or wash with camphor; to camphorate. [R.]
   --Tatler.
   [1913 Webster]

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