incense
1[ in-sens ]
/ ˈɪn sɛns /
noun
verb (used with object), in·censed, in·cens·ing.
to perfume with incense.
to burn incense for.
verb (used without object), in·censed, in·cens·ing.
to burn or offer incense.
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Origin of incense
11250–1300; Middle English <Late Latin incēnsum, literally, something kindled, neuter of incēnsus (past participle of incendere to set on fire), equivalent to incend- (see incendiary) + -tus past participle suffix; replacing Middle English ansens, ensenz<Old French <Late Latin as above
Words nearby incense
incautious, Ince, in cement, incendiarism, incendiary, incense, incense cedar, incense tree, incensory, incenter, incentive
Definition for incense (2 of 2)
incense2
[ in-sens ]
/ ɪnˈsɛns /
verb (used with object), in·censed, in·cens·ing.
to inflame with wrath; make angry; enrage.
Origin of incense
2First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English incensen, from Middle French encenser, from Latin incēnsus (see incense1)
SYNONYMS FOR incense ON THESAURUS.COM
synonym study for incense
See enrage.
OTHER WORDS FROM incense
in·cense·ment, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for incense
British Dictionary definitions for incense (1 of 2)
incense1
/ (ˈɪnsɛns) /
noun
any of various aromatic substances burnt for their fragrant odour, esp in religious ceremonies
the odour or smoke so produced
any pleasant fragrant odour; aroma
rare homage or adulation
verb
to burn incense in honour of (a deity)
(tr) to perfume or fumigate with incense
Derived forms of incense
incensation, nounWord Origin for incense
C13: from Old French encens, from Church Latin incensum, from Latin incendere to kindle
British Dictionary definitions for incense (2 of 2)
incense2
/ (ɪnˈsɛns) /
verb
(tr) to enrage greatly
Derived forms of incense
incensement, nounWord Origin for incense
C15: from Latin incensus set on fire, from incendere to kindle
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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