incense Hear it!

incense1 definition

in·cense (in′sens′)

noun

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

Etymology: 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 -·censed′, incensing -·cens′·ing

  1. to make fragrant with or as with incense; perfume
  2. to burn or offer incense to

intransitive verb

to burn incense
incense2 definition

in·cense (in sens′)

transitive verb incensed -·censed′, incensing -·cens′·ing

to make very angry; fill with wrath; enrage

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

Related Forms:

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