Over the centuries Myrrha, the girl, and myrrh, the fragrance, have been linked etymologically. Myrrh was precious in the ancient world, and was used for embalming, medicine, perfume, and incense. The Modern English word "myrrh" (Old English: "myrra") derives from the Latin "Myrrha" (or "murrha" or "murra", all are synonymous Latin words for the tree substance). The Latin "Myrrha" originated from the Ancient Greek "múrrā", but, ultimately, the word is of Semitic origin, with roots in the Arabic "murr", the Hebrew "mōr", and the Aramaic "mūrā", all meaning "bitter" as well as referring to the plant. Regarding "smyrna", the word is a Greek dialectic form of "myrrha".