camphor: [15] Camphor is probably of Indian origin. It has been traced back to Sanskrit karpūram, which appears to have reached English via Arabic kāfūr and then either Old French camphre or medieval Latin camphora. European forms replaced the long Arabic ā with a nasalized vowel.
substance extensively used in medicine, early 14c., caumfre, from Old French camphre, from Medieval Latin camfora, from Arabic kafur, perhaps via Sanskrit karpuram, from Malay kapur "camphor tree." Related: Camphorated.
