A North African tree of the cypress family that produces a fragrant resin used in incense and traditional medicine.
From Arabic 'ʿarar,' referring to a type of juniper or cypress tree (Tetraclinis articulata) native to North Africa and the Mediterranean. The word entered European languages through Arabic and Berber trade networks.
The arar tree's resin was highly valued in ancient times and traded along the same routes as frankincense and myrrh—it was precious enough to be mentioned in medieval medical texts!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.