frankincense
noun
frank·in·cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s 
: a fragrant gum resin from trees of a genus (Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Fight the lack of fresh air with a nourishing face oil, such as geranium, jojoba, or frankincense, on your face, lips, neck, and décolleté. 
Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2022 Those tribes traded myrrh and frankincense around Arabia, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, according to UNESCO. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 29 July 2022 The citrus, frankincense, almond, and lavender essential oils in our CBD topical balm are just a few of the fragrances found. The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 May 2022 With both amber and woody accords, the fragrance includes zesty bergamot, pink pepper, and cardamom atop masculine notes of cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, and vanilla. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 June 2022 The aromatic fougére cologne features a spicy heart of Somalian frankincense and cardamom, with effervescent top notes of mandarin orange and French lavender. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Mar. 2022 This shampoo is decadently scented with bergamot rind, frankincense and cedar atlas in order to create an earthy, citrusy and woodsy scent perfect for any man. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 May 2022 Key ingredients include frankincense, sage and babassu oil. Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2022 Aesop's version uses a cozy and #rich blend of frankincense, guaiacwood, and shiso. ELLE, 27 Apr. 2022 See More
Lauren Valenti, Vogue, 29 Aug. 2022 Those tribes traded myrrh and frankincense around Arabia, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean, according to UNESCO. Nadeen Ebrahim, CNN, 29 July 2022 The citrus, frankincense, almond, and lavender essential oils in our CBD topical balm are just a few of the fragrances found. The Salt Lake Tribune, 23 May 2022 With both amber and woody accords, the fragrance includes zesty bergamot, pink pepper, and cardamom atop masculine notes of cedarwood, cypress, frankincense, and vanilla. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 June 2022 The aromatic fougére cologne features a spicy heart of Somalian frankincense and cardamom, with effervescent top notes of mandarin orange and French lavender. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 31 Mar. 2022 This shampoo is decadently scented with bergamot rind, frankincense and cedar atlas in order to create an earthy, citrusy and woodsy scent perfect for any man. Grooming Playbook, The Salt Lake Tribune, 16 May 2022 Key ingredients include frankincense, sage and babassu oil. Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2022 Aesop's version uses a cozy and #rich blend of frankincense, guaiacwood, and shiso. ELLE, 27 Apr. 2022 See More Word History
Etymology
Middle English fraunk encense, from Anglo-French franc encens, from franc (perhaps in sense "of high quality") + encens incense
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined above
Kids Definition
frankincense
noun
frank·in·cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsens
: a plant gum that is burned for its sweet smell
Medical Definition
frankincense
noun
frank·in·cense ˈfraŋ-kən-ˌsen(t)s
: a fragrant gum resin from trees (genus Boswellia of the family Burseraceae) of Somalia and southern coastal Arabia that is an important incense resin and has been used in religious rites, perfumery, and embalming
called also olibanum