frankincense
Frankincense (noun) means a fragrant resin from Boswellia trees, dried and burned as incense. Example: “The temple filled with the smoky scent of frankincense.”
How to use frankincense
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA resin burned for its sweet, woody smoke, historically prized and traded like a luxury good.
Word forms
frankincenses plural
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The temple filled with the smoky scent of _____.
Etymology
From Old French franc encens, literally "high-quality incense" — "franc" here meaning noble or pure rather than free.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for frankincense
See all rhymes for frankincense →Frequently asked questions
What does “frankincense” mean?
The word “frankincense” means a fragrant resin from Boswellia trees, dried and burned as incense. In plain terms, a resin burned for its sweet, woody smoke, historically prized and traded like a luxury good.
How do you pronounce “frankincense”?
“Frankincense” is pronounced FRANG-kuhn-sehns (/ˈfɹæŋkənˌsɛns/ in IPA).
How do you use “frankincense” in a sentence?
Here is “frankincense” used in a sentence: “The temple filled with the smoky scent of frankincense.”
What part of speech is “frankincense”?
“Frankincense” is a noun.
Where does the word “frankincense” come from?
The word “frankincense” comes from Old French. From Old French franc encens, literally "high-quality incense" — "franc" here meaning noble or pure rather than free.