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spikenard

[ spahyk-nerd, -nahrd ]

noun

  1. an aromatic, Indian plant, Nardostachys jatamansi, of the valerian family, believed to be the nard of the ancients.
  2. an aromatic substance used by the ancients, supposed to be obtained from this plant.
  3. any of various other plants, especially an American plant, Aralia racemosa, of the ginseng family, having an aromatic root.


spikenard

/ ˈspaɪkəˌnɑːd; ˈspaɪknɑːd /

noun

  1. an aromatic Indian valerianaceous plant, Nardostachys jatamans, having rose-purple flowers
  2. an aromatic ointment obtained from this plant
  3. any of various similar or related plants
  4. a North American araliaceous plant, Aralia racemosa, having small green flowers and an aromatic root
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spikenard1

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English from Medieval Latin spīca nardī. See spike 2, nard
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spikenard1

C14: from Medieval Latin spīca nardī; see spike ², nard
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Example Sentences

These include pomegranates, wine, myrrh, spikenard and cinnamon.

From Salon

"What art thou?" was his quick demand; "Art thou some gem from Samarcand, Or spikenard in this rude disguise, Or other costly merchandise?"

The ancients also perfumed their hair, especially on festivals, with various ointments, composed of the spikenard and different balsams.

In moist, cool ravines, where the sun only slants athwart the branches and a certain dankness always lingers, the Californian spikenard scents the air with its peculiar odor.

Sage, and wormwood, sion, hyssop, borage, spikenard, dog's-tongue, our Lady's mantle, feverfew, and Faith, and all in small quantities except the last.

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