noun
- Plural of camphine; a volatile, flammable liquid hydrocarbon mixture used historically as a lamp fuel and solvent.
Usage: archaic; historical; also called camphene
Examples
- Camphines were commonly used in lamps before the widespread adoption of kerosene.
- The chemist stored several bottles of camphines in the laboratory cabinet.
- Camphines produced a bright flame but were considered quite dangerous due to their volatility.
- Historical records show that camphines were a popular lighting fuel in the 19th century.