myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree (especially Commiphora myrrha of the family Burseraceae) of eastern Africa and Arabia

also : a mixture of myrrh and labdanum

Examples of myrrh in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Chervil has an earthy, resinous fragrance that has been compared to myrrh with a delicate licorice flavor. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Nov. 2024

Once the plant was more mature at around 3 years old, the team conducted a phytochemical analysis on its resin, leaves and branches to test for aromatic compounds, such as those found in myrrh. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024

Liberty has perfectly balanced the warm, spicy, intoxicating heart and base notes (cedarwood, myrrh, patchouli, leather and agarwood, aka oud) with the bright and sparkling. —Esther Newman, refinery29.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Yet the tree, which is related to the myrrh tree that’s famed for its resin, never gave off any kind of scent. —Katie Hunt, CNN, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English myrre, from Old English, from Latin myrrha, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Arabic murr myrrh

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a brown slightly bitter gum obtained from African and Arabian trees and used especially in perfumes or formerly in incense

Medical Definition

myrrh

noun

ˈmər 

: a yellowish to reddish brown aromatic bitter gum resin that is obtained from various trees (genus Commiphora) especially of East Africa and Arabia (as C. myrrha or C. abyssinica) and has been used in the manufacture of dentifrices and as a carminative and a stimulating tonic compare bdellium