Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » valerian
valerian
noun
- any of a genus (Valeriana) of plants of the valerian family, with clusters or spikes of white, pink, red, or purplish flowers
- a drug made from the dried rhizomes and roots of the garden heliotrope, formerly used as a sedative and antispasmodic
adjective
designating a family (Valerianaceae, order Dipsacales) of dicotyledonous plants, chiefly of the Northern Hemisphere, including corn salad and spikenard
(L. name Publius Licinius Valerianus) 190?-260; Rom. emperor (253-260)
See valerian in American Heritage Dictionary 4
Learn more about valerian
link/cite print suggestion box