A white, crystalline substance with a strong aromatic smell, obtained from the camphor tree or made synthetically. It is used in medicine, as an insect repellent, and in religious ceremonies.
From Arabic kāfūr, which came from Sanskrit karpūra, reflecting the spice trade routes from India through the Islamic world to Europe. The word entered Medieval Latin as camphora, then Old French as camphre, reaching Middle English as camphor by the 14th century. The Arabic transmission preserved this important medicinal and aromatic substance's name from its Asian origins.
Camphor was so valuable in medieval times that it was literally worth its weight in silver! Arab traders controlled the camphor routes from Southeast Asia, making this aromatic crystal a luxury item that only the wealthy could afford for medicine and perfume.
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