IPA: /ˈɪn.sɛns/
KK: /ˈɪnˌsɛns/
A substance that produces a pleasant smell when burned, often used in religious ceremonies or for fragrance.
The room was filled with the sweet scent of incense during the meditation session.
To make someone very angry or to burn a substance that produces a pleasant smell when heated, often used in religious ceremonies.
The manager incensed the employees with his harsh criticism.
Past: incensed
Past Participle: incensed
Incense is derived from the Latin 'incensum' (meaning to burn), which comes from 'incendere' (meaning to set on fire). The word refers to a substance that is burned to produce a fragrant aroma.
Think of something that is 'set on fire' to create a pleasant smell — that's what incense is.