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incense

in·cense

UK/ˈɪnsɛns/ US/ɪnˈsɛns/ fairly common
noun (2) verb (2)

noun

1.

a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned

2.

the pleasing scent produced when incense is burned

  • “incense filled the room”

verb

1.
2.

Origin

From Middle English encens, from Old French encens (“sweet-smelling substance”) from Late Latin incensum (“burnt incense”, literally “something burnt”), neuter past participle of incendō (“to set on fire”). Compare incendiary. Doublet of incienso. Displaced native Old English rēcels.

Phrases

  • incense boat
  • incense burner
  • incense cedar
  • incense stick
  • incense tree

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WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.