joss-stick
Definition
- Noun:
- A stick of incense: "joss-stick" refers to a thin, stick-shaped piece of material, often made from fragrant wood or paste, that is burned to produce a pleasant-smelling smoke. It is commonly used in religious ceremonies, meditation, or for creating a calming atmosphere.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- She lit a joss-stick in the temple to honour her ancestors. (A stick of incense burned for religious purposes.)
- The room smelled of sandalwood from the burning joss-stick. (The incense stick produced a fragrant aroma.)
- He placed a joss-stick in the holder before starting his meditation. (A stick of incense used for calming focus.)
Advanced Usage
"to burn a joss-stick": to light and allow a joss-stick to smoulder for its scent or spiritual significance.
- During the festival, devotees burn a joss-stick at the altar. (They light incense as an offering.)
"joss-stick holder": a small container or stand designed to hold a joss-stick upright while it burns.
- The ceramic joss-stick holder caught the falling ash. (The holder prevented ash from scattering.)
Variants and Related Words
Joss (n): a Chinese idol or deity; also a term for luck or fortune (often used in "joss house" for a temple).
- They prayed to the joss for good fortune. (They sought blessings from the deity.)
Incense (n): a substance that produces a fragrant smell when burned, often in stick, cone, or powder form.
- The incense filled the room with a sweet aroma. (The fragrant substance was burned.)
Synonyms
- Incense stick: a direct synonym, referring to the same object.
- Fragrant stick: a descriptive term for a stick that emits a pleasant smell when burned.
Related Idioms
- No direct idioms: "joss-stick" is a specific term without common idiomatic usage. However, the word "joss" appears in the idiom "joss house" (a Chinese temple), but this is a compound term, not an idiom for the word itself.
Phrasal Verbs
- No phrasal verbs: "joss-stick" is a noun and does not form phrasal verbs.