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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
Southwestern Arabia, for example, was famed for its frankincense and myrrh as well as for being a gateway for spices and jewels—such as the rubies sported by the nude goddess—from South Asia.
—Peter Frankopan, Foreign Affairs, 7 June 2019
Its top note is violet—with palo santo, frankincense, and myrrh for that spicy kick.
—Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 27 Sep. 2024
Soft, sweet, and fresh, jasmine, wood accord, iris, and frankincense gives the eau de parfum genderless appeal.
—Christian Allaire, Vogue, 5 Sep. 2024
The researchers found juniper resin and frankincense on the mummy’s surface.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024
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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
Time Traveler
The first known use of frankincense was
in the 14th century
Dictionary Entries Near frankincense
Cite this Entry
“Frankincense.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/frankincense. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on frankincense
Nglish: Translation of frankincense for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of frankincense for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about frankincense
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