A bitter, aromatic gum resin obtained from certain Persian plants, used in perfumery and incense. It has a green, earthy scent and was historically used in religious ceremonies.
From Arabic qinnah or khalabān, referring to this bitter resin from Persia. The word entered English via Latin galbanum and Greek chalbane, ultimately from a Semitic source. Arabic merchants controlled the trade routes that brought this resin from Persia to Europe and beyond.
Try Another Word