\Cam"phor\, n. [OE. camfere, F. camphre (cf. It.
camfara, Sp. camfara, alcanfor, LL. camfora, camphara, NGr.
?), 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 camphara} of
   Linn[ae]us.). Camphor, {C10H16O}, is volatile and
   fragrant, and is used in medicine as a diaphoretic, a
   stimulant, or sedative.
2. A gum resembling ordinary camphor, obtained from a tree
   ({Dryobalanops camphora}) growing in Sumatra and Borneo;
   -- called also {Malay camphor}, {camphor of Borneo}, or
   {borneol}. See {Borneol}.
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.
{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.

\Cam"phor\, v. t.
To impregnate or wash with camphor; to camphorate. [R.]
--Tatler.