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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spikenard¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of spikenard¹

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

Example Sentences

The Spikenard (Nardostachys jatamansi) belongs to the natural order Valerianace.

From Project Gutenberg

Cumfrey and Spikenard are so well known that they need no describing.

From Project Gutenberg

Nard, nrd, n. an aromatic plant usually called Spikenard: an ointment prepared from it.

From Project Gutenberg

Spikenard and myrabolans from the province of Columbaia , 600 leagues from Calicut.

From Project Gutenberg