rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryfrankincenseFragrant resin
noun

frankincense

FRANG-kin-sens/ˈfræŋkɪnsens/

A fragrant resin used as incense or in perfumes.

Pale frankincense resin lies beside pieces smoldering in the burner.

A close-up of pale golden frankincense resin tears beside a small incense burner, with matching resin pieces smoldering on charcoal.
Etymology
frankOld Frenchnoble, true
+incenseOld Frenchincense

The name apparently combines Old French words for “noble, true” and “incense.” The first element probably identifies this aromatic resin as pure or of the highest quality.

In context

josh holmes35:44
the hot commodity was frankincense the pungent sweet smelling gum of mystery which flourishes in remote foothills of Oman and southern Arabia it was more than a luxury that heavy burning incense was believed to deter infection
Field Marshal Erwin Rommels Lost Sunken Treasure (The Desert Fox Gold) (DOCUMENTARY)

More examples

  • The trader sold pale pieces of frankincense.
  • Frankincense gave the room a resinous fragrance.
  • The perfume included frankincense among its ingredients.

Forms

frankincense

Similar words

myrrh
Both are fragrant resins but come from different trees and have distinct scents.
incense
Incense is the broader material burned for fragrance; frankincense is a particular resin used in it.