frankincense

American  

[frang-kin-sens] / ˈfræŋ kɪnˌsɛns /

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.

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frankincense British  

/ ˈfræŋkɪnˌsɛns /

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of frankincense

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

Example Sentences

The Three Wise Men may have struggled for a third gift if they were shopping today—and not because of a bull market in frankincense and myrrh.

From Barron's

The Three Wise Men may have struggled for a third gift if they were shopping today—and not because of a bull market in frankincense and myrrh.

From Barron's

Encased in a glossy black glass vessel, Owens’ candle is a mysterious blend of labdanum, myrrh, frankincense and ambergris.

From Los Angeles Times

After the death of Abiyah, they kept his body inside their home for eight days, before embalming the body using frankincense and myrrh prior to a ritualistic burial in their garden.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• aroma
• odor
• perfume
• scent