How Do You Spell CAMPHINE?

Pronunciation: [kˈamfiːn] (IPA)

The word "Camphine" is spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /ˈkæmfiːn/. It is a colorless, flammable liquid that was used as a fuel for lamps and stoves in the 19th century. The spelling of the word comes from its origin, as it is derived from the word "camphene", which was a common term for the compound in the mid-1800s. The spelling was later changed to "camphine" to reflect the pronunciation of the word. Despite its popularity as a fuel, camphine is rarely used today due to its high flammability and volatility.

CAMPHINE Meaning and Definition

1. Camphine refers to a volatile hydrocarbon mixture obtained through the process of distillation. This colorless, flammable liquid mainly consists of equal parts of alcohol and ether. It is primarily derived from the combination of rectified spirits (ethyl alcohol) and treatment with sulfuric acid. The result is camphine, which is often used as a fuel source.

   Historically, camphine was widely utilized as a lighting fuel during the 19th century. It gained popularity as an alternative to whale oil and other flammable substances for illuminating lamps and lanterns. Due to its highly flammable nature, camphine was later replaced by safer kerosene for lighting purposes.

   However, camphine finds some modern applications beyond a lighting fuel. Today, it is occasionally employed as a cleaning agent, particularly in the removal of varnishes, resins, or grease. Additionally, camphine can be used as a solvent due to its ability to dissolve certain substances effectively.

   In summary, camphine is a volatile combination of alcohol and ether. While historically used as a lighting fuel, it is now primarily employed as a cleaning agent or solvent. Care should be taken with camphine due to its flammability.

2. Rectified oil of turpentine.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CAMPHINE

• xamphine
• vamphine
• famphine
• damphine
• czmphine
• csmphine
• cwmphine
• cqmphine
• canphine
• cakphine
• cajphine
• camohine
• camlhine
• cam-hine
• cam0hine
• campgine
• campbine
• campnine
• campjine

Etymology of CAMPHINE

The word "camphine" comes from the combination of two words: "camphor" and "benzine".

"Camphor" originated from the Latin word "camphora", which was derived from the Arabic word "kāfūr" or "kāfūrah". It can be traced back to Sanskrit as "karpoora". Camphor refers to a white, waxy crystalline substance with a strong aromatic odor. It is obtained from wood of the camphor tree or synthesized from pinene.

"Benzine", on the other hand, comes from the French word "benzine", which was derived from "benzoin" and "benzene".

Plural form of CAMPHINE is CAMPHINES