spikenard

American  

[spahyk-nerd, -nahrd] / ˈspaɪk nərd, -nɑrd /

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.

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spikenard British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of spikenard

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

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?"

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg