valerian Hear it!

valerian Definition

va·leri·an (və lir′ē ən)

noun

  1. any of a genus (Valeriana) of plants of the valerian family, with clusters or spikes of white, pink, red, or purplish flowers
  2. a drug made from the dried rhizomes and roots of the garden heliotrope, formerly used as a sedative and antispasmodic

Etymology: ME < MFr valériane < ML valeriana, valerian, prob. after Valeria, province in Pannonia, where the plants were grown

adjective

designating a family (Valerianaceae, order Dipsacales) of dicotyledonous plants, chiefly of the Northern Hemisphere, including corn salad and spikenard

Valerian Definition

Va·leri·an (və lir′ē ən)

(L. name Publius Licinius Valerianus) 190?-260; Rom. emperor (253-260)

valerian Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • include: The exact ingredients are a trade secret, but they include valerian and chamomile.
  • use: It is said that the Pied Piper of Hamlyn used valerian to lure away the rats.
  • contain: Avoid drinking coffee after lunchtime 8. Try natural supplements that may help sleep eg those containing valerian.
  • take: In the 19th century, it was custom among German women to take the herb valerian regularly as a stimulant.

Adjective modifier

  • red: Other plants of particular interest include red valerian, and a variety of hawkweeds.
  • common: Wet or moist ground supports scurvygrass Cochlearia officinalis, marsh-marigold Caltha palustris and common valerian Valeriana officinalis.
  • Red: Red valerian is a charming, long flowering and easy-to-grow native plant.
  • Greek: Add to basket Jacobs Ladder White Perennial Av 120 seeds £ 1.25 Polemonium caeruleum - Polemonium, Greek valerian, Charity.

Modifies a noun

  • rhizome: Valerian rhizome will be invaluable in the short term.
  • root: St John's wort flower can help some people with depression ( and valerian root will aid sleep if needed ).
  • extract: Critical evaluation of the effect of valerian extract on sleep structure and sleep quality.

Noun used with modifier

  • marsh: The small pink flowers of marsh valerian can also be found throughout the meadow, often in large numbers.