Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkæm.fər/

Definitions

• A white, crystalline substance with a strong odor, obtained from the wood of the camphor tree and used in medicine, industry, and religious rituals.
• A compound used in the manufacture of plastics, pesticides, and perfumes.
• A fragrant substance, typically used in the preparation of ointments, for its medicinal and therapeutic properties, such as in treating congestion and relieving pain.

Usage Examples

• The doctor prescribed camphor ointment to soothe the muscle pain.
• Camphor is used in the production of mothballs to keep insects at bay.
• She placed a small piece of camphor in the room to ward off bad smells.

Etymology

The word "camphor" comes from the late Middle English, from Old French 'camphre', from Medieval Latin 'camphora', from Arabic 'kāfūr', ultimately from the Malay word 'kapur' meaning 'lime' or 'chalk'.

Synonyms

• Cinnamomum camphora
• Camphor oil

Antonyms

• Non-aromatic substances
• Neutral compounds

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, the pronunciation of "camphor" may slightly differ, with some variations using a softer 'ph' sound (/f/) and others pronouncing the 'ph' as a more aspirated sound (/pʰ/). In Southern India, the term "kapur" is commonly used in everyday conversation.

Historical Usage

Camphor has been used since ancient times, particularly in Asia. It was widely used in religious rituals and traditional medicine. In the 19th century, it began being utilized in Western medicine and later found industrial applications in plastic manufacturing and fragrances.

Cultural Nuances

In many Asian cultures, camphor is used in religious ceremonies, as it is believed to purify the air and promote a sense of spiritual clarity. It is also commonly used in Ayurvedic practices and traditional Chinese medicine for its therapeutic benefits.

More Information

Camphor, derived from the wood of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora), is widely known for its use in medicinal and aromatic applications. The substance has been cherished for its anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antiseptic properties. While modern uses involve its presence in products such as mothballs, perfumes, and certain medications, camphor holds a deep-rooted significance in various traditional practices. It is also widely used in the production of synthetic camphor, a compound vital in many industries, such as plastics and cosmetics.