frankincense

[ frang-kin-sens ]
/ ˈfræŋ kɪnˌsɛns /

noun

an aromatic gum resin from various Asian and African trees of the genus Boswellia, especially B. carteri, used chiefly for burning as incense in religious or ceremonial practices, in perfumery, and in pharmaceutical and fumigating preparations.
Also called olibanum.

Origin of frankincense

First recorded in 1350–1400, frankincense is from the Middle English word fraunk encense. See frank1, incense1

Example sentences from the Web for frankincense

British Dictionary definitions for frankincense

frankincense
/ (ˈfræŋkɪnˌsɛns) /

noun

an aromatic gum resin obtained from trees of the burseraceous genus Boswellia, which occur in Asia and Africa Also called: olibanum

Word Origin for frankincense

C14: from Old French franc free, pure + encens incense 1; see frank