frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

Examples of frankincense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Eau de Parfum $98 $67 Sephora Balancing edginess and softness, Boy Smells's Hinoki Fantôme Eau de Parfum presents a mélange of frankincense, hinoki, jasmine petals, and oakmoss. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Winter marks the season for notes like frankincense, with its smoky, balsamic, and slightly citrusy profile that offers a sacred, meditative quality. —Michael Stefanov, Robb Report, 26 Nov. 2024

Opening with juicy berries and fig, heart notes of green florals blend with base notes of warm amber and frankincense as the scent begins to dry down. —Kayla Greaves, Essence, 23 Nov. 2024

The tablets, which are currently being advertised up to 60 percent off on Truth Social, include, among other biblical ingredients, frankincense and myrrh. —David Gilbert, WIRED, 29 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fraunk encense, from Anglo-French franc encens, from franc (perhaps in sense "of high quality") + encens incense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from African or Arabian trees that is burned as incense

Medical Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from trees (genus Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming

called also olibanum