Definition

1. Noun:
   • An aromatic gum resin: A fragrant, hardened tree resin that is harvested from specific trees, primarily of the genus Boswellia, native to regions like the Arabian Peninsula and Northeast Africa.
   • A substance for ritual and practical use: Historically, this resin has been highly valued for its scent when burned, used in religious ceremonies, for embalming the dead, and for its fumigant properties.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The priest burned frankincense on the altar during the ceremony.
  • Ancient Egyptians used frankincense in the embalming process.
  • The sweet, woody smell of frankincense filled the temple.

Advanced Usage

• "To offer frankincense": To present it as a gift or part of a ritual.
  • The three wise men are said to have offered gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
• "Frankincense smoke": Refers to the aromatic smoke produced when the resin is heated or burned.
  • The frankincense smoke curled upwards towards the ceiling.

Variants and Related Words

• Olibanum: Another name for frankincense, often used interchangeably.
  • The ingredient list specified olibanum, which is another term for frankincense.
• Boswellia: The genus of trees from which frankincense is derived.
  • The Boswellia tree is tapped to harvest its resin.

Synonyms

• Gum resin: A general term for plant exudates that are mixtures of gum and resin.
• Incense: A substance that produces a fragrant smell when burned (frankincense is a specific type of incense).

Related Phrases

• Frankincense and myrrh: A common pairing, referring to two valuable aromatic resins often mentioned together historically and in religious texts.
  • The gifts were traditional: frankincense and myrrh.

Related Idioms

• "Worth its weight in frankincense": (A less common, illustrative idiom) Used to describe something as extremely valuable or precious, drawing on the historical high value of the resin.
  • In ancient times, such information was worth its weight in frankincense.

Noun

1. an aromatic gum resin obtained from various Arabian or East African trees; formerly valued for worship and for embalming and fumigation