Luban
/ˈluː.bæn/noun
A fragrant resin, especially frankincense, obtained from trees of the genus Boswellia.
Did you know?Luban’s name is linked to the Semitic root for “white,” likely referring to the milky-white sap that flows from the frankincense tree before hardening into aromatic resin.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Semitic
Proto-Semitic
*lbn
“White or whiteness; a reconstructed root associated with pale color and milky substances”
Biblical Hebrew
Hebrew
לְבוֹנָה (ləvōnāh)
“Frankincense, literally associated with whiteness”
Ancient South Arabian / Arabic tradition
Arabic
لُبَان (lubān)
“Frankincense; aromatic resin from Boswellia trees”
Medieval Arabic
Arabic
lubān
“Fragrant incense resin used in medicine, perfumery, and religious ceremonies”
Modern English
English
luban
“A loanword for frankincense or related aromatic resin”