incense

1 of 3

noun

in·cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s

: material used to produce a fragrant odor when burned

: the perfume exhaled from some spices and gums when burned

broadly : a pleasing scent

: pleasing attention : flattery

incense

2 of 3

verb (1)

in·cense ˈin-ˌsen(t)s

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

: to apply or offer incense to

: to perfume with incense

incense

3 of 3

verb (2)

in·cense in-ˈsen(t)s

incensed; incensing

transitive verb

: to arouse the extreme anger or indignation of

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

Example Sentences

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

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

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 2

Time Traveler

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

See more words from the same century