Saturday, 29 August 2026

When you say 'camphor' are you speaking Malaysian?

'Camphor' is a word borrowed from Malaysian 'kapur'. The word entered the English language some time around the 14th century.


camphor [noun] [14th century]
  • a tough gummy volatile aromatic crystalline compound CHO obtained especially from the wood and bark of the camphor tree...
  • any of several similar compounds (as some terpene alcohols and ketones)
See 'camphor' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Malaysian.

note: Camphor comes from Medieval Latin camphora which originated from Arabic kāfūr ultimately derived from Malay kapur (chalk/lime/camphor). It refers to a white volatile crystalline substance with an aromatic smell.
Etymology: Middle English 'caumfre' from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin 'camphora' from Arabic 'kāfūr' from Malay 'kapur'
See more loan words from 1300s.


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