(n.) A fragrant, aromatic resin, or gum resin, from trees the genus Boswellia, burned as an incense\ in religious rites or for medicinal fumigation. The best kinds now come from East Indian trees, of the genus Boswellia; a commoner sort, from the Norway spruce (Abies excelsa) and other coniferous trees. The frankincense of the ancient Jews is still unidentified.