frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: 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

Examples of frankincense in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The sophisticated scent is smokey and leathery, with notes of frankincense, pink pepper, cypress, juniper and vetiver. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

The blend of sweet violet, palo santo, frankincense, myrrh and ambrox is delightfully serene. —Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Turkish rose compliments earthy elements like patchouli, sandalwood, frankincense, and a splash of blackcurrant and raspberry for zest. —Janelle Okwodu, Vogue, 26 Nov. 2024

Boy Smells Hinoki Fantôme Eau de Parfum $98 $67 Sephora Balancing edginess and softness, Boy Smells's Hinoki Fantôme Eau de Parfum presents a mélange of frankincense, hinoki, jasmine petals, and oakmoss. —Annie Blackman, Allure, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fraunk encense, from Anglo-French franc encens, from franc (perhaps in sense "of high quality") + encens incense

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: a fragrant gum resin from African or Arabian trees that is burned as incense

Medical Definition

frankincense

noun

frank·​in·​cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 

: 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