Myrrh, n.

noun

(mĕr), n. [Fr. myrrhe, It., Sp., & Pr. mirra, Pg. & Lat. myrrha, Gr. μύρρα, Heb. mōr, Ar. murr, from Heb. mar, Ar. murr, bitter, from marra, to be bitter.] A transparent gum-resin, usually of an amber color, of an aromatic odor, and a bitter, slightly-pungent taste. It is used for its odor and for its medicinal properties. It exudes from the bark of a shrub of Abyssinia and Arabia.

A botanical illustration of a myrrh plant sprig with branching stems, leaves, and fruit. — Myrrh (*Balsamoden- dron myrrha*).