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

By the end of the first century, Eastern herbs, spices, clothing and even animals would have changed ordinary people’s lives, from the tigers, rhinoceroses and wild boars brought for gladiatorial shows to frankincense and myrrh widely used as perfumes, as medicines and in religious rituals. —Jo Marchant, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 June 2024

Seger wears Pistachio Game to dream lucidly thanks to frankincense (a warm resin) and vetiver (a root with a green, citrusy quality), both of which are all-encompassing and grounding. —Jacqueline Kilikita, refinery29.com, 7 Mar. 2024

The oil-free formula feels almost like a primer—enriched by red algae, frankincense, and a meadowfoam oil complex to soothe, protect, and moisturize. —Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 11 June 2024

For example, frankincense may represent the element of fire, while earth may be represented by cinnamon bark oil. —Essence, 29 May 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