encens

incense

noun ahn-SAHN Rare

Origin: from Latin incensum (burned offering)

Usage Note

Encens is used for the aromatic resin burned in religious ceremonies — Catholic mass, Buddhist temples, or spiritual rituals. The final s is silent. Encensoir is the censer (the hanging vessel that swings it), and encenser figuratively means 'to lavish praise on.'

Examples

"L'odeur de l'encens emplissait l'église."

Natural Translation

The smell of incense filled the church.

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