Meaning of incense in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions
  3. Noun
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    US accent

    UK accent

  1. Verb

    incense

    Etymology

    late Middle English (in the general sense ‘inflame or excite someone with a strong feeling’): from Old French incenser, from Latin incendere‘set fire to’

    Definitions

    1. perfume especially with a censer

    Derived terms

  2. 2. make furious

    Derived terms

  3. Noun

    incense

    Etymology

    Middle English (originally as encense): from Old French encens (noun), encenser (verb), from ecclesiastical Latin incensum‘something burnt, incense’, neuter past participle of incendere‘set fire to’, from in-‘in’ + the base of candere‘to glow’

    Definitions

    1. a substance that produces a fragrant odor when burned

    Derived terms

  4. 2. the pleasing scent produced when incense is burned

    Examples

    • « incense filled the room »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « You might sooner get lightning out of incense smoke than true action or passion out of your modern English religion. »
    John Ruskin
  • « When I'm off the road, my husband and I recharge our batteries. It's a day of deep rest and connection with the spiritual, and that can be anything - going for a walk in nature, being in silence, burning incense. »
    Alanis Morissette
  • « Christmas in Bethlehem. The ancient dream: a cold, clear night made brilliant by a glorious star, the smell of incense, shepherds and wise men falling to their knees in adoration of the sweet baby, the incarnation of perfect love. »
    Lucinda Franks
  • « Better do a good deed near at home than go far away to burn incense. »
    Amelia Earhart
  • « We had incense and rock'n'roll posters, and we sold records and rolling papers. People could just, like, hang out. We had a cool vibe going. »
    Tommy Hilfiger

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