What does olibanum mean?
Olibanum is a fragrant resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia and is essentially the substance more commonly called frankincense. It has a long history in religious ritual, where it was burned as incense, and it has also been used in perfume, embalming, and medicinal preparations. The word has a literary and historical character, so it is less usual in everyday conversation than the more familiar “frankincense.” Olibanum can refer either to the resin itself or, more occasionally, to its characteristic fragrance and smoke. In modern description, it evokes an aromatic, slightly resinous, and solemn atmosphere, making it a useful word for writing about ritual, trade, or the sensory qualities of incense. Although plural forms exist, the word is normally treated as a mass noun.
nounA fragrant resin obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia, especially the species commonly known as frankincense. It is used in incense, perfumes, and traditional religious preparations.
- The fragrant resin obtained from Boswellia trees and used in incense, perfume, and religious preparations.
- The aromatic fragrance or smoke produced by burning this resin.
"The incense burned in the ceremony was scented with olibanum."
"The apothecary ground olibanum into a fine powder for use in the perfume."
"A thin ribbon of smoke rising from the olibanum filled the chamber with a warm, resinous scent."
Rare; olibanum is normally used as a mass noun.
"The traders sold small quantities of olibanums from several regions."
Olibanum was among the precious resins prized in ancient religious ceremonies and remains one of the classic ingredients of incense.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does olibanum come from?
The English word entered through Middle English from Latin olibanum. Latin borrowed the term from Greek libanos, a word for frankincense that is generally traced to a Semitic source. The English variant “libanum” preserves a related form of the same terminology.
How olibanum is actually used
Olibanum is chiefly literary, historical, or specialized. It usually functions as a mass noun, referring to the resin or its fragrance rather than to individual pieces; plural forms are uncommon.
Easily confused with olibanum
Olibanum is the aromatic frankincense resin obtained from Boswellia trees, whereas labdanum is a different resin obtained from rockrose plants.