myrrh

[mur]

noun

1. an aromatic resinous exudation from certain plants of the genus Myrrhis, especially M. odorata, a small spiny tree: used for incense, perfume, etc.

myrrh

/ mɜː /

noun

1. any of several burseraceous trees and shrubs of the African and S Asian genus Commiphora, esp C. myrrha, that exude an aromatic resin Compare balm of Gilead

2. the resin obtained from such a plant, used in perfume, incense, and medicine

3. another name for sweet cicely

Other Word Forms

• myrrhed adjective
• myrrhic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of myrrh¹

before 900; Middle English, Old English myrre < Latin myrrha < Greek mýrra ≪ Akkadian murru; akin to Hebrew mōr, Arabic murr

Word History and Origins

Origin of myrrh¹

Old English myrre, via Latin from Greek murrha, ultimately from Akkadian murrū; compare Hebrew mōr, Arabic murr

Example Sentences

After the death of Abiyah, they kept his body inside their home for eight days, before embalming the body using frankincense and myrrh prior to a ritualistic burial in their garden.

From BBC

The smell of incense — a combination of frankincense and myrrh — leached from every corner of the space, creating a somewhat soporific effect.

From Salon

The delicately pink, multipetaled blooms of Saint Cecilia® have a rich myrrh bouquet, a scent sometimes described as earthy or slightly smoky.

From Seattle Times

This pretty kit contains mountain sage, frankincense, myrrh and white copal resin; a Selenite stick; crystals and a palo santo stick for smudging.

From Seattle Times

In texts, “antiu” was long thought to be a word that meant myrrh.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• aroma 
• odor 
• perfume 
• scent