rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryincenseFragrant burning material
noun

incense

IN-sens/ˈɪnsens/

Aromatic material burned to produce fragrant smoke.

The incense cone releases a thin stream of fragrant smoke.

Incense cone releases fragrant smoke.
Etymology
incenseLatinthat which is burnt; incense

Incensum literally meant “that which is burnt.” The fragrant substance was named for its burning, the process that releases the sweet-smelling smoke.

In context

ANCIENT NATIONS22:10
the smoke of the imperial incense, the synchronized bells, the virgin beeswax candles.
Stolen Rituals? How Pagan Rome Shaped the Modern Church | History Podcast

More examples

  • She lit the incense.
  • The room smelled of incense.
  • Several kinds of incense were displayed.

Forms

incense

Similar words

aromatic
Any fragrant substance rather than one specifically burned.
perfume
A fragrance generally applied rather than burned.