frankincense

frank·in·cense

noun \ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s\

Definition of FRANKINCENSE

: 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

Origin of FRANKINCENSE

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with FRANKINCENSE

common sense, confidence, evidence, no-nonsense, present tense, recompense, zone defense

frank·in·cense

noun \ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of FRANKINCENSE

: 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

frankincense

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Fragrant gum resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia (family Burseraceae), particularly several varieties found in Somalia, Yemen, and Oman. This important incense resin was used in ancient times in religious rites and in embalming. It constituted part of the Jewish incense of the sanctuary and is frequently mentioned in the Pentateuch; it was one of the gifts of the magi to the infant Jesus. It is used today in incense and fumigants and as a fixative in perfumes.