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

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See frankincense defined for kids

Recent Examples of frankincense from the Web

Enter the incense route, a path spanning more than 1,200 miles and used by traders to carry frankincense and myrrh from Yemen and Oman, through the Negev desert, to the Mediterranean port in Gaza.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "Explore the Ruins of an Ancient Incense Route," 26 Jan. 2017
Rub a little lavender oil on your pulse points for sounder sleep, one magazine suggests, while another recommends using a frankincense-oil blend in your skincare routine.

— mike dang, Longreads, "Inside the Murky World of Essential Oils," 3 Oct. 2017
But there was one problem: frankincense and myrrh were only native to trees growing in Ethiopia, Somalia, and southern Arabia.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "Explore the Ruins of an Ancient Incense Route," 26 Jan. 2017
There are even calming scents piped into the air, like peppermint and frankincense.

— maria carter, Country Living, "This Assisted Living Facility Is Designed to Look Like a Small Town From the 1940s," 21 July 2017
Fairview Pharmacies sells the blends — whose ingredients include lavender, bergamot, frankincense, lemon, ginger and peppermint — alongside traditional medicines.

— allie shah, chicagotribune.com, "Does the essential-oil trend pass the smell test?," 12 May 2017
Enter the incense route, a path spanning more than 1,200 miles and used by traders to carry frankincense and myrrh from Yemen and Oman, through the Negev desert, to the Mediterranean port in Gaza.

— jennifer billock, Smithsonian, "Explore the Ruins of an Ancient Incense Route," 26 Jan. 2017

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

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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