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 -·censed′, -·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 -·censed′, -·cens′·ing

to make very angry; fill with wrath; enrage

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

incense² Related Forms

in·cense′·ment noun

incense Synonyms

incense

n.

scent, fragrance, fuel, punk, joss stick, flame, odor, frankincense, essence, burnt offering, aroma, redolence, sandalwood, myrrh; see also perfume.

incense Synonyms

incense

v.

enrage, infuriate, exasperate, provoke; see anger 1, bother 2.

incense Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • burn: You first burn the incense then imagine the need you want.
  • smell: I could smell incense then saw 6 hooded monks walk past me chanting.
  • blend: They come in their own protective suede bag, with Robs own hand blended cone incense.

Adjective modifier

  • fragrant: He clings with regret to the golden chalices and fragrant incense of Catholicism.
  • Tibetan: Incense Man - Choose from a great range of Indian incense, Tibetan incense, Chinese incense... even English incense!
  • sweet: He made his prison-cell fragrant with the sweet incense of prayer.
  • loose: Also loose incense, hand blended by us using our own gums, resins, herbs and oils.

Preposition: on

  • altar: She places the wreaths and the incense on the altar.
  • block: It is suitable for burning loose incense on a charcoal block, incense cones and tealight candles.

Modifying Another Word

particularly: My uncle Bill was particularly incensed with his broadcasts.

Modifies a noun

  • burner: You needn't store incense burners away or hide them in a corner.
  • cone: PLUS a bag of 10 high quality mixed incense cones.
  • cedar: The incense cedar and red cedar are both used to make pencils.
  • stick: The incense stick holder is fixed upright at the end of the box, to support the incense above the lid.
  • altar: The supposed incense altar at Ebal was made of stone!
  • coil: Back to top... How should I support incense coils so they burn properly?

Noun used with modifier

  • burning: Before the priests there are basins of burning incense tended by the Tots.
  • resin: This is another great way to enjoy resin incense.
  • brass: Based on ancient originals this brass effect incense burner features a double pagoda roof and has ample room to burn incense cones or dhoop.
  • smoking: The scents of smoking incense mingle with rich spices to transport them to a foreign land.