MYRRH Meaning and
Definition
-
Myrrh is a noun that refers to a fragrant gum resin obtained from several species of trees belonging to the Commiphora genus, predominantly found in northeastern Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is derived from the dried sap or resin of these trees and is typically used in religious ceremonies, traditional medicine, and as an ingredient in perfumes and incense.
The term "myrrh" derives from the Greek word "myrrha," and its usage dates back to ancient times. It is characterized by its distinctive aroma, which is musky, sweet, and slightly bitter, often described as earthy or resinous. Myrrh is typically sold as dried resin tears or in the form of an essential oil extracted from the resin.
In various ancient cultures, myrrh has held significant cultural and religious importance. It was highly valued in ancient Egypt and was frequently used in the embalming process. Myrrh has also played a crucial role in religious rituals and ceremonies in ancient Greece, Rome, and various forms of worship, including Christianity, where it is mentioned in the Bible as one of the gifts brought by the magi to baby Jesus.
In traditional medicine, myrrh has been used for its alleged antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. It has been employed in treating wounds, ulcers, mouth sores, and addressing various digestive complaints. Furthermore, it has been used as an ingredient in oral hygiene products due to its reputed antiseptic qualities.
Overall, myrrh is a natural aromatic resin with a rich history of cultural, religious, and medicinal utilization.
-
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
-
The aromatic gummy resin of a plant growing chiefly in Arabia.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for MYRRH *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for MYRRH
Etymology of MYRRH
The word "myrrh" has its origins in the ancient Semitic languages. It comes from the Hebrew word "mor" or "mar" (מוֹר), meaning "bitter". This Hebrew term was further borrowed into other ancient languages such as Akkadian, Arabic, and Aramaic, with slight variations in pronunciation but retaining the same meaning. Eventually, it made its way into Greek as "μύρον" (myron) and Latin as "myrrha", still referring to the fragrant resin obtained from the shrub Commiphora myrrha.
Similar spelling words for MYRRH
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
