frankincense

noun frank·in·cense \ ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s \

|Updated on: 29 Jul 2018

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

See frankincense defined for English-language learners

See frankincense defined for kids

Recent Examples of frankincense from the Web

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
Get our daily newsletter The desire to do business has long been present, its history visible along the creek in old Dubai where the souk boasts frankincense from Oman and saffron from Iran.

— The Economist, "Do buyHow Dubai became a model for free trade, openness and ambition," 21 June 2018
Tim and Brian inhaled, their own communion of frankincense and nicotine, as the fog swirled down from Buena Vista Park.

— kevin fisher-paulson, San Francisco Chronicle, "Tim has left us, but the fight continues," 14 May 2018
Rosemary and peppermint are a perfect duo to harness greater mental clarity, while basil, ginger, and frankincense will help boost your energy levels on those humdrum days.

— molly marquand, Good Housekeeping, "7 Mistakes You're Making With Essential Oils," 19 July 2016
How to: Mix 12 drops EOs (frankincense, lavender, chamomile, myrrh, or a combo) into 1 oz rosehip oil.

— allison young, Good Housekeeping, "6 Ways You Can Use Essential Oils To Treat And Prevent Acne Naturally," 8 Nov. 2017
For skin care: Lavender, carrot seed, rose, rosehip, frankincense, geranium, tea tree, ylang-ylang, and patchouli.

— kaleigh fasanella, Allure, "Essential Oils for Beginners: How to Use Them Safely in Your Beauty Routine," 7 May 2018
Essential oil company Edens Garden sells several calming blends, including Worry Less, which combines lavender, ylang ylang, frankincense and more (5ml, $9.95).

— sara m moniuszko, USA TODAY, "Essential oil guide: What oils to use, how to use them and safety tips," 25 Apr. 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.

Origin and Etymology of frankincense

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

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

FRANKINCENSE Defined for English Language Learners

frankincense

noun

Definition of frankincense for English Language Learners

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

FRANKINCENSE Defined for Kids

frankincense

noun frank·in·cense \ ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsens \

Definition of frankincense for Students

: a plant gum that is burned for its sweet smell

Medical Dictionary

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