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incense

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The definition of incense is a substance with a pleasant odor when burned, generally used for smoke or fragrance.

(noun)

An example of incense is a burning gum used in a religious ceremony.

Incense is defined as to make someone very mad.

(verb)

An example of incense is to make a person very angry by cheating them on a business deal.

See incense in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

any of various substances, as gums or resins, producing a pleasant odor when burned: used in some religious ceremonies
the smoke or fragrance from such a substance
any pleasant odor
pleasing attention, praise, or admiration

Origin: ME encens < OFr < LL incensum, incense < neut. of L incensus, pp. of incendere, to kindle, inflame < in-, in, on + candere, to burn, shine: see candescent

transitive verb incensed, incensing

to make fragrant with or as with incense; perfume
to burn or offer incense to

intransitive verb

to burn incense

transitive verb incensed, incensing

to make very angry; fill with wrath; enrage

Origin: ME encensen < OFr incenser < L incensus: see incense

Related Forms:

incensement noun

See incense in American Heritage Dictionary 4

transitive verb in·censed, in·cens·ing, in·cens·es

To cause to be extremely angry; infuriate.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English encensen

Origin: , from Old French incenser

Origin: , from Late Latin incēnsāre, to sacrifice, burn

Origin: , from Latin incēnsus

Origin: , past participle of incendere, to set on fire; see kand- in Indo-European roots

noun

a. An aromatic substance, such as wood or a gum, that is burned to produce a pleasant odor.
b. The smoke or odor produced by the burning of such a substance.
A pleasant smell.
Flattering or fawning attention; homage.

transitive verb in·censed, in·cens·ing, in·cens·es