1. Plural of camphire; an archaic or poetic term for camphor, a white crystalline substance obtained from the camphor tree, used in medicine and perfumes.
Usage: archaic; poetic; chiefly historical

Examples

• The ancient texts mention camphires as a valuable trade commodity.
• Medieval apothecaries stored camphires in sealed vessels to preserve their potency.
• In old poetry, camphires were celebrated for their aromatic and medicinal properties.
• The merchant's inventory listed several pounds of camphires imported from the East.