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Glite Dictionary
camphor tree

camphor tree

7.3
A large evergreen tree from East Asia with strong, spicy-smelling wood that people use for medicine and oil
  • noun
  • /ˈkæm.fər triː/
translation icon : árbol de alcanfor

Examples

  • It occurs naturally in the wood of the camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) and is extracted by steam distillation and crystallization.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The camphor tree is known for its fragrant wood, which is often used to make furniture.

  • In the park, a large camphor tree provides shade for families having picnics.

  • The garden featured several camphor trees, their leaves rustling softly in the breeze.

Synonyms

Cinnamomum camphora
vscamphor tree
  • Specialized
9.8

A large evergreen tree from East Asia whose wood gives camphor used in medicine and industry

is the common name used in everyday language rather than the Latin form

Surface Forms

camphor tree singular
camphor trees plural

Morphology

camphor + tree

The meaning 'a tree that yields camphor' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'camphor' (the aromatic substance) with 'tree' (a perennial plant). This is a straightforward noun-noun compound and a cross-linguistically common botanical naming pattern, so a learner who knows both constituents will readily understand it.

Etymology

Camphor tree comes from the tree's production of camphor, a strong-smelling substance found in its wood and leaves. People used that oil in 'medicine' and to keep insects away, so the name explains why the tree is known for its scent and healing uses.