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Glite Dictionary
myrrh tree

myrrh tree

9.9
A small tree from eastern Africa and Asia that makes a sticky fragrant substance used in perfume and incense
  • noun
  • /mɪr/
translation icon : árbol de mirra
  • Traders once traveled great distances to harvest resin from the myrrh tree.

Examples

  • The myrrh tree grows well in arid climates.

  • The ancient Egyptians valued the myrrh tree for its fragrant resin.

  • A myrrh tree can thrive in arid regions with little rainfall.

  • Many myrrh trees can be found in Somalia.

  • The myrrh tree grows well in dry, rocky soils where it can thrive under harsh conditions.

  • Ancient Egyptians extracted resin from the myrrh tree to use in burial rituals and perfumes.

  • The fragrance of the myrrh tree's resin is popular in incense and spiritual ceremonies.

Synonyms

Commiphora myrrha
vsmyrrh tree
  • Specialized
9.9

A small tree from eastern Africa and Asia that makes fragrant resin used in perfume, incense and medicine

is the small tree native to eastern Africa and Asia that yields the resin
incense tree
vsmyrrh tree
8.6

A tropical tree that makes fragrant sap burned for its smell

is a specific small native tree known for producing that particular aromatic resin

Surface Forms

myrrh tree singular
myrrh trees plural

Morphology

myrrh + tree

The meaning is directly compositional: 'myrrh' names the aromatic resin and 'tree' names the plant, so 'myrrh tree' denotes a tree that produces or yields myrrh. This product+tree noun-compound pattern (like 'olive tree' or 'lemon tree') is common and predictable, so a learner who knows both constituents will readily infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Myrrh tree is the name for a small tree that makes a sticky, fragrant gum called myrrh. People long ago burned this gum as 'perfume' and 'incense', so the name reminds us of a plant that gives a useful, sweet smell.