incense

in-cense · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned, used especially in religious ceremonies.

  2. 2.

    The smoke or perfume produced by burning such a substance.

  3. 3.

    To make extremely angry; to enrage.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    burn incense — to light incense for fragrance or ceremony
  • •
    incense burner — a container designed to burn incense
  • •
    incensed with anger — extremely angry

Related words

See also: aromatherapy, enrage, fragrance
Synonyms: aromatics, fragrance, perfume

Etymology

(Noun) From Old French encens, from Latin incensum ("something burnt"), neuter past participle of incendere ("to set on fire"). (Verb) From Old French incenser, from Latin incensare, frequentative of incendere ("to kindle, inflame").