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)
Examples of camphor in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Spices are half the transformation: ginger, allspice and cumin, built to warm; thyme, with its kiss of camphor; bay leaves for a piney depth.
—
Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
The handmade cube contains all-natural menthol, wintergreen, and camphor.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024
Last year’s wet winter brought the camphor back to life after years of drought killed it.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2024
The menthol crystals, eucalyptus and camphor oils provide an immediate soothing feel, which persists as the CBD absorbs into your muscles.
—Jonathan Beverly, Outside Online, 29 Oct. 2020
By blending 13 essential oils and botanicals, including peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, hemp oil, and camphor, this balm works synergistically to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 July 2023
Some people add camphor to the oil before applying it to the skin.
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 29 June 2023
For example, Hawaii, Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all have bans on sunscreens that include ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, Triclosan, parabens, nanoparticles, and microplastics.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2023
When making bitters, Capparelli said that either English or French lavender could work, although French lavender will have a stronger taste that is more camphor heavy, compared to the English lavender that is more herbal and on the lighter end of floral.
—oregonlive, 21 July 2021
Ligaya Mishan, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2024
The handmade cube contains all-natural menthol, wintergreen, and camphor.
—Rebecca Jones, Southern Living, 19 Feb. 2024
Last year’s wet winter brought the camphor back to life after years of drought killed it.
—Kevinisha Walker, Los Angeles Times, 4 Feb. 2024
The menthol crystals, eucalyptus and camphor oils provide an immediate soothing feel, which persists as the CBD absorbs into your muscles.
—Jonathan Beverly, Outside Online, 29 Oct. 2020
By blending 13 essential oils and botanicals, including peppermint, menthol, eucalyptus, hemp oil, and camphor, this balm works synergistically to prevent pain signals from reaching the brain.
—Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 6 July 2023
Some people add camphor to the oil before applying it to the skin.
—Heather L. Brannon, Md, Verywell Health, 29 June 2023
For example, Hawaii, Palau, and the U.S. Virgin Islands all have bans on sunscreens that include ingredients like oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate, 4-methyl benzylidene camphor, Triclosan, parabens, nanoparticles, and microplastics.
—Anna Popp, Travel + Leisure, 2 May 2023
When making bitters, Capparelli said that either English or French lavender could work, although French lavender will have a stronger taste that is more camphor heavy, compared to the English lavender that is more herbal and on the lighter end of floral.
—oregonlive, 21 July 2021
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'camphor.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near camphor
Cite this Entry
“Camphor.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/camphor. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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)
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