incense
incense Lexical Profile
incense Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A gum, spice, or other aromatic biotic material that is burned to produce a fragrant odor, often used in religious ceremonies, meditation, or for aromatherapy.
"The monk lit a stick of sandalwood incense before beginning his morning meditation."
The fragrant smoke or odor produced by the burning of aromatic substances.
"The heavy incense hung in the air of the ancient cathedral."
• verb
To make someone extremely angry or deeply indignant.
"The mayor's decision to drastically cut the school budget will undoubtedly incense the local community."
To perfume or fumigate with fragrant smoke (especially in a religious context).
"The priest processed down the aisle, incensing the altar and the congregation."
Word Nuance & Usage
The noun form (referring to the aromatic substance) is stressed on the first syllable ('IN-cense'), whereas the verb form (meaning to anger) is stressed on the second syllable ('in-CENSE').
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'encens', via Old French from Late Latin 'incensum' (meaning 'something burnt'), which is the neuter past participle of the Latin verb 'incendere' (to set fire to).