agarwood

noun

agar·​wood ˈa-gər-ˌwu̇d 

ˈä-

: the soft, dark heartwood that is produced by any of various southeast Asian evergreen trees (genus Aquilaria, especially A. malaccensis synonym A. agallocha) when they become infected with a fungus and that contains a fragrant resin used chiefly to produce incense, perfumes, and traditional medicines

With prices for noncultivated agarwood rising to $10,000 a kilo, few local shopkeepers welcome mere browsers.

—Jennifer Gampell

called also aloes, aloeswood, eaglewood

Examples of agarwood in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Official tasting notes describe a sweet and floral palate with spiced sandalwood and agarwood, followed by a long finish with undertones of mizunara. —Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 20 Sep. 2023

The resin, also known as agarwood, forms within aquilaria trees and is one of the most expensive raw materials used in perfumery. —Taylore Glynn, Allure, 8 Dec. 2022

Varieties scented with plum, clove and agarwood are also available. —Sarah Burchard, Forbes, 9 June 2022

The eau de parfum is anchored by agarwood (oud) and sandalwood to give it a little bit of intensity, making this scent a good option year-round, though the overall freshness is definitely fitting for warm weather. —Jihan Forbes, Allure, 20 Apr. 2022

Founded in Kyoto in 1663, this stationary store and incense specialist was the official stationer to the Imperial Family from 1891 to 1945 and stocks a wide variety of calligraphy brushes, washi letter paper and incense coils fragranced with ingredients such as agarwood, jasmine, and pine. —Chris Schalkx, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 Jan. 2023

The woodiness of the intense fragrance comes out at the base, which features notes of oud (also known as agarwood), sandalwood, cypriol, and incense. —Dallas News, 30 Nov. 2022

The agarwood species Aquilaria sinensis is native to tropical China. —Darren Incorvaia, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2022

As its name suggests, its chief note is the tuberose flower, which is blended with suede accord, patchouli, agarwood musk and Szechuan peppercorn to ground the floral notes in a more earthy cocktail. —Kristin Corpuz, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 June 2022

Word History

Etymology

agar- (borrowed from Hindi agar "the tree Aquilaria malaccensis or its wood," going back to Sanskrit aguruḥ, agaruḥ, probably borrowed from a Dravidian source—whence Tamil & Malayalam akil, name for Aquilaria malaccensis) + wood entry 1

First Known Use

1930, in the meaning defined above