frankincense

noun

frank·in·cense | \ 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

Examples of frankincense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Brooklyn fragrance studio D.S. & Durga dreamed up a candle called Holy Ficus, which layers notes of cedar and fig with a hint of frankincense—wise, indeed. — Laura Regensdorf, Vogue, "10 Utterly Perfect Home Fragrances for the Holiday Hostess with the Mostest," 20 Nov. 2018 The combination is so good; the sweetness from the body oil, the witch hazel and frankincense. — Fatimah Asghar, Glamour, "The Poet Who Doesn't Travel Without $18 Eyeliner or Booty Mist," 24 Oct. 2018 Her dynasty controlled the export of the ever-valuable and cherished frankincense, which grew exclusively along the nation’s southern coast, and ruled the region from around 1000 BC to AD 290. — Hollie Mckay, Fox News, "Archaeologists fear biblical artifacts, monuments won't survive Yemen war," 9 Aug. 2018 Healing oils like lavender, frankincense, thyme, eucalyptus, sweet marjoram, and tea tree can eliminate mucus, relax the body, and calm your cough, says Lohman who suggest adding 15-18 drops in one ounce of unscented lotion. — Allison Young, Good Housekeeping, "4 Genius Ways Essential Oils Can Ease Congestion And Cough Better Than Over-The-Counter Meds," 20 Oct. 2017 With Confidence To treat sudden breakouts, this spot treatment from Kiehl’s (formulated with oil-absorbing ginger root, salicylic acid, and frankincense) works fast to reduce the size of a lone blemish and diminish redness overnight. — Jenna Rennert, Vogue, "6 Ways to Get Rid of Acne for Good This Summer," 8 July 2018 So much more than an incense scent, frankincense could be the anti-ager your skin needs. — Sunset, "Your Guide To Essential Oils," 22 Jan. 2018 Alternatives include ylang-ylang, bergamot, cedarwood, vetiver, frankincense, and Roman Chamomile. — Karen Campbell, BostonGlobe.com, "Trouble sleeping? Let your senses be your guide," 12 July 2018 These cleansing baths involved chanting prayers, rubbing frankincense and eucalyptus oils and sea salt on their bodies, and burning myrrh, the newspaper reported. — Chris Harris, PEOPLE.com, "Mass. Women Allegedly Burned, Disfigured 5-Year-Old in Voodoo Ritual to 'Rid Her of a Demon'," 5 Feb. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'frankincense.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of frankincense was in the 14th century

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More Definitions for frankincense

frankincense

noun

English Language Learners Definition of frankincense

: a substance that is burned for its sweet smell and that was used in religious ceremonies in ancient times

See the full definition for frankincense in the English Language Learners Dictionary

frankincense

noun

frank·in·cense | \ ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsens

Kids Definition of frankincense

: a plant gum that is burned for its sweet smell

frankincense

noun

frank·in·cense | \ ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s

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