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

For a deeper dive, Khalid Al Amri is one of the only frankincense sommeliers in the world and is on hand to reveal more about its significance. —Angelina Villa-Clarke, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

The Bursera bipinnata tree resin is earthy with undertones of frankincense and a hint of sweetness. —Paola Briseño-Gonzalez, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2024

Southwestern Arabia, for example, was famed for its frankincense and myrrh as well as for being a gateway for spices and jewels—such as the rubies sported by the nude goddess—from South Asia. —Peter Frankopan, Foreign Affairs, 7 June 2019

Its top note is violet—with palo santo, frankincense, and myrrh for that spicy kick. —Kleigh Balugo, StyleCaster, 27 Sep. 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