Agarwood, also known as oud or aloeswood, is a fragrant wood that is highly valued in many cultures for its unique aroma and healing properties. It is often used in traditional medicine, perfumes, and spiritual practices.
Definitions
Agarwood is a resinous heartwood that forms in the Aquilaria trees when they are infected with a type of mold. The wood is dark, dense, and rich in essential oils that give it its distinctive fragrance.
Origin
Agarwood has been used for thousands of years in traditional medicine and spiritual practices in Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and India. It is also found in the Middle East, where it is used in perfumes and as incense.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, agarwood is “a fragrant wood used in perfume and incense, obtained from a tree of the genus Aquilaria.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a dark resinous heartwood that is used in incense and perfumes and is produced by a tree (genus Aquilaria) of Southeast Asia.”
Associations
Agarwood is often associated with luxury, spirituality, and healing. It is believed to have a calming effect on the mind and body and is used in meditation and prayer. It is also used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including headaches, asthma, and digestive problems.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for agarwood include aloeswood, oud, and gaharu.
Antonyms
There are no direct antonyms for agarwood.
The same root words
Agarwood is also known as aloeswood, which comes from the Greek word “alóē” meaning “fragrant wood.”
Example Sentences
- The perfume contained notes of agarwood and rose.
- The monks burned agarwood incense during their meditation practice.
- The traditional medicine practitioner prescribed agarwood oil for the patient’s headache.