labdanum

noun

lab·​da·​num ˈlab-də-nəm How to pronounce labdanum (audio)
variants or less commonly ladanum
ˈla-də-nəm How to pronounce labdanum (audio)
ˈlad-nəm
: a soft dark fragrant bitter oleoresin derived from various rockroses (genus Cistus) and used in making perfumes

Examples of labdanum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Her bestseller is Dark Rose, with notes of pink peppercorn, plum, rose, cumin, vanilla, patchouli and labdanum, sold at $150 for 50 ml. or $45 for 10 ml. — Ryma Chikhoune, WWD, 4 Feb. 2025 Afterward, the result was a mixture of rockrose leaves dripping with labdanum, a sticky resin, that the scientists used to haft arrowheads to wood in a type of makeshift spear. — Alexa Robles-Gil, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin lapdanum

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of labdanum was in the 14th century

Browse Nearby Words

lab coat
labdanum
labefaction
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Labdanum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/labdanum. Accessed 22 Apr. 2025.

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