malayan camphor

1 definition found

malayan camphor - 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]