galbanum

noun gal·ba·num \ ˈgal-bə-nəm , ˈgȯl- \

Definition of galbanum

: a yellowish to green or brown aromatic bitter gum resin derived from any of several Asian plants (such as Ferula galbaniflua) and used in incense

Recent Examples of galbanum from the Web

With the exception of its first scent, Vent Fou— a green blend of galbanum, jasmine and rose that launched in 1964—Céline has largely avoided the fragrance space.

— celia ellenberg, Vogue, "Will Hedi Slimane Make a Céline Perfume? Here’s Why All Signs Point to Yes," 21 Jan. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of galbanum

Middle English, borrowed from Latin, borrowed from Greek chalbánē, borrowed from a Northwest Semitic source; akin to Hebrew ḥelbĕnāh "galbanum"

Note: Perhaps a derivative from Semitic *ḥlab "milk," though sense connection is not clear.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

galbanum

noun gal·ba·num \ ˈgal-bə-nəm , ˈgȯl- \

medical Definition of galbanum

: a yellowish to green or brown aromatic bitter gum resin derived from several Asian plants (genus Ferula and especially F. galbaniflua) of the family Umbelliferae and that resembles asafetida and has been used for similar medicinal purposes