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spikenard

(-närd′, -nərd)

noun

a fragrant ointment used in ancient times
an Asiatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family that yielded this ointment
☆ a perennial North American plant (Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family, with whitish flowers, purplish berries, and fragrant roots

Origin: ME < LL(Ec) spica nardi < L spica, an ear of grain (see spike) + nardus, nard

See spikenard in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

An aromatic perennial herb (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the Himalaya Mountains, having rose-purple flowers. Also called nard.
An ointment of antiquity, probably prepared from this aromatic plant.
A North American plant (Aralia racemosa) having small greenish flowers, aromatic roots, and bipinnately compound leaves.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Anglo-Norman

Origin: , from Medieval Latin spīca nardī

Origin: : Latin spīca, spike, ear

Origin: + Latin nardī

Origin: , genitive of nardus, nard

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