To treat or impregnate something with camphor, a strong-smelling waxy substance, or to convert a substance into camphor.
From camphor (from Arabic kāfūr via Sanskrit karpūra) plus the suffix -ize, meaning 'to treat with' or 'to cause to become.' The term developed in chemistry during the 19th century as scientists needed words to describe chemical processes.
Camphorize was essential chemist-speak before synthetic medicines existed—people literally soaked fabrics, medicines, and stored foods in camphor oil to prevent decay and insects, making it one of humanity's earliest preservation technologies.
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