myrrh

[ mur ]

noun

1. an aromatic resinous exudation from certain plants of the genus Myrrhis, especially M. odorata, a small spiny tree: used for incense, perfume, etc.

myrrh

/ mɜː /

noun

1. any of several burseraceous trees and shrubs of the African and S Asian genus Commiphora, esp C. myrrha, that exude an aromatic resin Compare balm of Gilead
2. the resin obtained from such a plant, used in perfume, incense, and medicine
3. another name for sweet cicely

Other Words From

• myrrhed adjective
• myrrhic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of myrrh¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English myrre < Latin myrrha < Greek mýrra ≪ Akkadian murru; akin to Hebrew mōr, Arabic murr

Word History and Origins

Origin of myrrh¹

Old English myrre, via Latin from Greek murrha, ultimately from Akkadian murrū; compare Hebrew mōr, Arabic murr

Example Sentences

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

From Salon

The delicately pink, multipetaled blooms of Saint Cecilia® have a rich myrrh bouquet, a scent sometimes described as earthy or slightly smoky.

From Seattle 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

In texts, “antiu” was long thought to be a word that meant myrrh.

From Washington Post

The word antiu, for example, appears thousands of times in Egyptian sources, and for more than a century Egyptologists have thought it referred to myrrh, the resin of a particular thorn tree.

From Science Magazine

Related Words

• aroma
• odor
• perfume
• scent