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

Thanks to grape extract, walnut oil, ginger root, and frankincense, this formula gets to the root (wink) of dryness, delivering moisture, color enhancement, and strength. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 14 Feb. 2025

The Pink Qatari Clay Heritage Ritual is an indulgent 90 minutes, and starts with a body exfoliation with a scrub made from aromatic resins, Epsom salts and frankincense. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025

What did the third wise man say after his friends had already presented gold and frankincense? —Chris Sims, The Indianapolis Star, 12 Dec. 2024

Non-toxic notes of neroli, palo santo, cedarwood, tonka bean, frankincense and elemi should transport your gift recipient to serene landscapes and ancient forests. —Dahvi Shira, Forbes, 9 Dec. 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