myrrh

noun \ ˈmər \

Definition of myrrh

:a yellowish-brown to reddish-brown aromatic gum resin with a bitter slightly pungent taste obtained from a tree (especially Commiphora abyssinica of the family Burseraceae) of eastern Africa and Arabia; also :a mixture of myrrh and labdanum

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Recent Examples of myrrh from the Web

Subtle notes of nutmeg and myrrh oil are grounded by a base note of patchouli to create a beautiful blend for that special guy in your life.

— vanity fair, Vanities, "The Best Father's Day Gifts for 2017," 13 June 2017
Subtle notes of nutmeg and myrrh oil are grounded by a base note of patchouli to create a beautiful blend for that special guy in your life.

— vanityfair.com, VanityFair.com, "The Best Father's Day Gifts for 2017," 13 June 2017
Their Amaro di Bilaro — a label that combines their two last names — uses a grape spirit base and 13 botanicals, including rosemary and spearmint from the couple’s backyard, as well as gentian, rhubarb root and myrrh.

— mary orlin, The Mercury News, "Amaro amore: The Bay Area’s passion for bittersweet liqueur," 1 Apr. 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
Feel as if myrrh does not get nearly enough attention from monologuists?

— neil genzlinger, New York Times, "Review: In ‘Thank God for Jokes,’ Mike Birbiglia Tells His Side of the Story," 11 Feb. 2016

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

Origin and Etymology of myrrh

Middle English myrre, from Old English, from Latin myrrha, from Greek, of Semitic origin; akin to Arabic murr myrrh

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First Known Use: before 12th century

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MYRRH Defined for English Language Learners

myrrh

noun

Definition of myrrh for English Language Learners

: a sticky brown substance that comes from trees, that has a sweet smell, and that is used in products that give the air or people's bodies a pleasing smell

MYRRH Defined for Kids

myrrh

noun \ ˈmər \

Definition of myrrh for Students

:a sticky brown fragrant material obtained from African and Arabian trees and used especially in perfumes or formerly in incense

Medical Dictionary

myrrh

noun \ ˈmər \

medical Definition of myrrh

:a yellowish to reddish brown aromatic bitter gum resin that is obtained from various trees (genus Commiphora) especially of East Africa and Arabia (as C. myrrha or C. abyssinica) and has been used in the manufacture of dentifrices and as a carminative and a stimulating tonic — compare bdellium