Definition

Noun: - Aromatic resin used as incense and perfume: Gum myrrh is a fragrant, solidified plant resin. It is valued for its pleasant smell when burned and is also used as a key ingredient in making perfumes and traditional medicines.

Usage

• Gum myrrh is a substance, a type of resin. It is typically used in its solid form.
• It is often mentioned in contexts related to ancient trade, religious ceremonies, aromatherapy, and perfumery.

Examples

• The ancient Egyptians used gum myrrh in their embalming processes and religious rituals.
• You can sometimes smell gum myrrh burning in temples during special ceremonies.
• This perfume has a deep, warm base note of gum myrrh.

Advanced Usage

• "Tears of myrrh": This phrase refers to the natural, tear-drop shaped pieces in which the resin hardens after being harvested from the tree.
  • The merchant showed us precious "tears of myrrh" from his collection.

Variants and Related Words

• Myrrh (n): This is the more common short form for "gum myrrh." The terms are often used interchangeably.
  • Frankincense and myrrh were gifts from the Magi.
• Commiphora myrrha (n): The scientific name for the tree species from which true myrrh resin is harvested.

Synonyms

• Myrrh resin: A direct synonym emphasizing the substance's origin.
• Balsam: A more general term for aromatic resins, which can sometimes include myrrh.

Notes on Meaning

The word "gum" in "gum myrrh" specifies the substance's physical form as a natural gum or resin. It distinguishes it from any essential oils or liquid extracts that might also be derived from the myrrh plant. The primary meanings are always connected to its use as a fragrant resin.

Noun

1. aromatic resin that is burned as incense and used in perfume