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

Researchers generally assume that Tayma was a pit stop on an ancient network of trade routes, known as the Incense Route, that carried frankincense and myrrh from southern Arabia to Mediterranean destinations around 2,300 to 1,900 years ago.

From Science News

Everything from the bark of the tree to the sap inside is fragrant, so both frankincense and myrrh are used as incense and perfume.

From Popular-Science

Instead of explaining what frankincense and myrrh are for the fourth year in a row, tell everyone that nematode worms lactate.

From Popular-Science

As early as the 2nd century, they were promoted to kings, probably because frankincense is associated with royalty in one of the Psalms.

From Time

According to the Gospel, the men had followed a star to the house where Jesus and Mary were and presented gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

From Time

Same with the Three Kings and their gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

From The Daily Beast

Frankincense is a kind of incense, which is to say room freshener.

From The Daily Beast

Casper, Melchior, and Balthazar “presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.”

From The Daily Beast

The air was heavy with the perfume of frankincense which smouldered in a brass vessel set upon a tray.

From Project Gutenberg

To what purpose do you bring me frankincense from Saba, and the sweet smelling cane from a far country?

From Project Gutenberg

Take of red roses, lapididis hoematis, white frankincense, of each half an ounce.

From Project Gutenberg

It is the true spice-tree of our Northern clime, the myrrh and frankincense of the land of lingering snow.

From Project Gutenberg

To Hamilton Burton it was all like the sniffing of frankincense and myrrh.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aroma
• odor
• perfume
• scent