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incense

noun
in·​cense | \ˈin-ˌsen(t)s \

Definition of incense 

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

2 : the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned broadly : a pleasing scent

3 : pleasing attention : flattery

incense

verb (1)
incensed; incensing

Definition of incense (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

1 : to apply or offer incense to

2 : to perfume with incense

incense

verb (2)
in·​cense | \in-ˈsen(t)s \
incensed; incensing

Definition of incense (Entry 3 of 3)

transitive verb

1 archaic : to cause (a passion or emotion) to become aroused

2 : to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

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Synonyms & Antonyms for incense

Synonyms: Noun

aroma, attar (also otto), balm, bouquet, fragrance, fragrancy, perfume, redolence, scent, spice

Antonyms: Noun

fetor, malodor, reek, stench, stink

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Examples of incense in a Sentence

Noun

 the heavenly incense of spring flowers count on the office manager to spread the incense whenever there's a visiting VIP from the head office

First Known Use of incense

Noun

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (1)

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb (2)

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for incense

Noun

Middle English encens, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin incensum, from Latin, neuter of incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, from in- + -cendere to burn; akin to Latin candēre to glow — more at candid

Verb (2)

Middle English encensen, probably from Latin incensus, past participle of incendere to set on fire, provoke

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Time Traveler for incense

The first known use of incense was in the 13th century

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More Definitions for incense

incense

noun

English Language Learners Definition of incense

: a substance that is used often in religious ceremonies to produce a strong and pleasant smell when it is burned

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

incense

noun
in·​cense | \ˈin-ˌsens \

Kids Definition of incense

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: material used to produce a strong and pleasant smell when burned

incense

verb
in·​cense | \in-ˈsens \
incensed; incensing

Kids Definition of incense (Entry 2 of 2)

: to make very angry … the cabin party were incensed at me for my desertion …— Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island

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More from Merriam-Webster on incense

See words that rhyme with incense

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for incense

Spanish Central: Translation of incense

Nglish: Translation of incense for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of incense for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about incense

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