Dryobalanops aromatica
(gcide) | 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] |