Agalloch
/ˈæɡəlɒk/noun
A fragrant, resinous wood obtained mainly from Aquilaria trees and used historically as incense and perfume.
Did you know?Agalloch is the same aromatic material commonly called agarwood or oud, formed when Aquilaria trees produce resin in response to infection or injury.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
aguru
“The fragrant Aquilaria wood; traditionally interpreted as a form related to guru, “heavy,” possibly referring to the wood’s dense resin.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
agállochon
“A fragrant wood imported from the East and burned or used in perfume.”
Classical Latin
Latin
agallochum
“Aromatic wood or incense material.”
Medieval Latin
Latin
agalochum
“A medicinal and perfumed resinous wood.”
14th–15th Century
English
agalloch
“A fragrant wood used in medicine, perfume, and incense.”
Modern English
English
agalloch
“Agarwood, especially when discussed as an incense or perfumery ingredient.”