spikenard Hear it!

spikenard definition

spike·nard (-närd′, -nərd)

noun

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

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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