frankincense etymology

Etymology:

  • Origin: Ancient Greek "líbanos" or "libanotos"
  • Meaning: "white" (referring to the light-colored resin produced by the tree)

Meaning and Origin:

Frankincense is the resin produced by several species of trees in the genus Boswellia, primarily Boswellia sacra. The resin is tapped from the trunk of the tree, and hardens into brittle, translucent lumps.

The name "frankincense" comes from the French phrase "franc encens," meaning "pure incense." This term was used in the Middle Ages to distinguish the resin from other, inferior types of incense.

Traditionally, frankincense has been used for religious rituals, medicinal purposes, and as a perfume and spice. It is mentioned in ancient Egyptian, Hebrew, and Roman texts as a valuable and sought-after commodity.

In ancient times, frankincense was one of the most important spices traded along the Silk Road. It was transported from the Arabian Peninsula to India, China, and eventually Europe. The trade in frankincense brought great wealth to the kingdoms of Yemen and Oman, where the trees are native.

Today, frankincense is still used in religious ceremonies and as a natural remedy for various ailments. The resin is also used in the production of fragrances, incense, and other products.

frankincense relate terms

  • frank

    Etymology The name Frank originates from the Frankish word franc which means free

  • frank

    Etymology The name Frank originates from the Frankish word franc which means free

  • liberal

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  • sibling

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  • ingenuity

    Etymology The word ingenuity is derived from the Latin word ingenium which means na

  • incense

    Etymology The word incense comes from the Latin word incendere meaning to set fire

  • incendiary

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  • candelabrum

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  • candescent

    Etymology The word incandescent comes from the Latin word incandescere which means

  • candid

    Etymology of Candid The word candid comes from the Latin word candidus meaning wh

  • candidate

    Etymology The word candidate comes from the Latin candidus meaning white In anci

  • candle

    Etymology The word candle derives from the Latin word candela meaning candle torch

  • candor

    Etymology Meaning and Origin of Candor Etymology The word candor comes from the Lati

  • chandelier

    Etymology and Origin of Chandelier The word chandelier originates from the Old French

  • chandler

    Etymology Derived from an Old English surname which in turn originated from the Old Eng

  • frankincense

    Etymology Origin Ancient Greek líbanos or libanotos Meaning white referring t

  • incandescence

    Etymology The word incandescence is derived from the Latin words incandescĕre meani

  • incandescent

    Etymology Latin incandescere to glow become white hot Meaning Emitting or refle

  • incendiary

    Etymology The word incendiary comes from the Latin word incendiarius which means ar

  • incense

    Etymology The word incense comes from the Latin word incendere meaning to set fire

  • incense

    Etymology The word incense comes from the Latin word incendere meaning to set fire

  • franc

  • franc

  • dwell

    Etymology Middle English dwellen dwelle from Old English dwellan Proto West Germanic

  • mushroom

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  • supplication

    Etymology The word supplication comes from the Latin word supplicare which means to

  • bootstrap

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  • keen

    Etymology The word keen derives from the Old English word cēne meaning bold brave