incense
in·cense (in′sens′)
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
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
- to make fragrant with or as with incense; perfume
- to burn or offer incense to
intransitive verb
in·cense (in sens′)
Related Forms:
- incensement in·cense′·ment noun
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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