frankincense

[ frang-kin-sens ]

noun

1. an aromatic gum resin from various Asian and African trees of the genus Boswellia, especially B. carteri, used chiefly for burning as incense in religious or ceremonial practices, in perfumery, and in pharmaceutical and fumigating preparations.

frankincense

/ ˈfræŋkɪnˌsɛns /

noun

1. an aromatic gum resin obtained from trees of the burseraceous genus Boswellia , which occur in Asia and Africa Also calledolibanum

Word History and Origins

Origin of frankincense¹

First recorded in 1350–1400, frankincense is from Middle English fraunk encense. See frank ¹, incense ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of frankincense¹

C14: from Old French franc free, pure + encens incense ¹; see frank

Example Sentences

Eventually, he settled on the eight most frequently mentioned: desert dates, Yemeni Sidr honey, sycamore figs, Israeli golden raisins, prickly juniper berries, carob fruit, black cumin and frankincense.

From New York Times

The smell of incense — a combination of frankincense and myrrh — leached from every corner of the space, creating a somewhat soporific effect.

From Salon

Notes include Timur pepper, coriander/cilantro leaf, black tea, frankincense, violet, saffron, amber, patchouli and vanilla.

From Los Angeles Times

This pretty kit contains mountain sage, frankincense, myrrh and white copal resin; a Selenite stick; crystals and a palo santo stick for smudging.

From Seattle Times

While the coffee is being made, itan, or frankincense, is burned to enhance the already aromatic process.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• aroma
• odor
• perfume
• scent