frankincense

/ˈfɹæŋkənˌsɛns/

frankincense means A type of incense obtained from the Boswellia thurifera tree. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 82 out of 100.

frankincense is pronounced /ˈfɹæŋkənˌsɛns/.

Why “frankincense” is a great word

A fragrant gum resin harvested from Boswellia trees, used for millennia as a precious incense. Its name is from Middle English fraunk encense, from Old French franc encens ('noble, pure incense'), from franc ('free, noble, pure') + encens ('incense'). Unlike the general category 'incense,' which denotes any aromatic burned, or 'myrrh,' its traditional companion with a darker, medicinal bitterness, frankincense is a singular, sweet-citrus resin. It is the amber tear wept from a wounded trunk, the silver coil of smoke rising through cathedral light, and the clean, ancient scent clinging to sacred space—a tangible breath between earth and aspiration.

Etymology

From Old French franc encens (“noble incense”).

noun

A type of incense obtained from the Boswellia thurifera tree.“The glories of Mary held his soul captive : spikenard and myrrh and frankincense, symbolising the preciousness of God's gifts to her soul, rich garments, symbolising her royal lineage, her emblems, the lateflowering plant and lateblossoming tree, symbolising the agelong gradual growth of her cultus among men.”