valerian

¹ American  

[vuh-leer-ee-uhn] / vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

1. any plant of the genus Valeriana, as the common valerian V. officinalis, having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally.

2. a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.

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Valerian ² American  

[vuh-leer-ee-uhn] / vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

1. Publius Licinius Valerianus, died a.d. c260, Roman emperor 253–60.

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valerian ¹ British  

/ vəˈlɛərɪən /

noun

1. Also called: allheal.  any of various Eurasian valerianaceous plants of the genus Valeriana, esp V. officinalis, having small white or pinkish flowers and a medicinal root

2. a sedative drug made from the dried roots of V. officinalis

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Valerian ² British  

/ vəˈlɛərɪən /

noun

1. Latin name Publius Licinius Valerianus. died 260 _ad , Roman emperor (253–260): renewed persecution of the Christians; defeated by the Persians

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Etymology

Origin of valerian

1350–1400; Middle English valirian < Medieval Latin valeriāna (herb) of Valeria (old Roman province, where plant is said to have been common); -an

Example Sentences

Other fellow mint lovers recommended brewing fresh sprigs of mint with various herbal teas, like chamomile, hibiscus, valerian and rooibos.

From Salon • Jan. 29, 2024

Could this be due to the valerian root?

From Seattle Times • Oct. 18, 2023

He planted irises and roses directly into the shingle, encouraging a riot of wallflowers and valerian, “all the dark humours blown away by the wind”.

From The Guardian • Mar. 21, 2020

Those well-traveled seeds have since germinated in a greenhouse, and they look pretty normal from the outside, the periwinkle producing its habitual pink flowers and the valerian its serrated leaves.

From Scientific American • Jun. 25, 2018

As he dashed back to his cauldron, he saw Malfoy cutting up valerian roots as fast as he could.

From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling