galbanum

noun

gal·​ba·​num ˈgal-bə-nəm How to pronounce galbanum (audio) ˈgȯl- How to pronounce galbanum (audio)
: a yellowish to green or brown aromatic bitter gum resin derived from any of several Asian plants (such as Ferula gummosa synonym F. galbaniflua) and used in incense

Examples of galbanum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The comforting scent from Daylesford Organic combines earthy mushroom, galbanum and vetiver with notes of violet leaf and iris root. Laia Farran Graves, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024 Design-minded weed lovers will get a kick out of this 25% off hand lotion, which features bergamot, grapefruit, galbanum, and patchouli. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 2 Dec. 2024 Myrrh and galbanum meld with costus root, gum resins, and balsams, creating a smoky, spicy masterpiece that feels straight out of a cathedral or old-world castle— but perfectly designed to scent your festive abode in 2024. Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024 The scent features galbanum, coriander seed, black pepper, and more for a uniquely fresh and floral aroma. Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 4 Oct. 2024 Peña’s scents Cowboy, a bright, grassy citrus fragrance, and Cowgirl, a woody white floral one, are odes to the ranches, farms and rodeos of his youth, with ingredients like cedar, cinnamon and galbanum. Caitie Kelly, New York Times, 5 June 2023 Finally, there’s Pomelo, a clean and crisp scent that blends bright citrus with sandalwood, white florals, and green and woody galbanum. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Top notes of pink pepper, grapefruit and galbanum enrich the nose with a spicy, sweet scent. Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022 Cedar, mandarin, and galbanum instill the oil with a warm brightness that cuts through the oud's inherent heaviness, while top notes like pink pepper and bergamot add sparkle like a champagne float on a cocktail. Taylore Glynn, Allure, 8 Dec. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek chalbánē, borrowed from a Northwest Semitic source; akin to Hebrew ḥelbĕnāh "galbanum"

Note: Perhaps a derivative from Semitic *ḥlab "milk," though sense connection is not clear.

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of galbanum was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near galbanum

Cite this Entry

“Galbanum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/galbanum. Accessed 2 Jan. 2025.

Medical Definition

galbanum

noun
gal·​ba·​num ˈgal-bə-nəm How to pronounce galbanum (audio) ˈgȯl- How to pronounce galbanum (audio)
: a yellowish to green or brown aromatic bitter gum resin derived from several Asian plants (genus Ferula and especially F. galbaniflua) of the family Umbelliferae and that resembles asafetida and has been used for similar medicinal purposes
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