Valerian

[ vuh-leer-ee-uh n ]
/ vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

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

British Dictionary definitions for publius-licinius-valerianus (1 of 2)

valerian
/ (vəˈlɛərɪən) /

noun

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

Word Origin for valerian

C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin valeriana ( herba) (herb) of Valerius, unexplained Latin personal name

British Dictionary definitions for publius-licinius-valerianus (2 of 2)

Valerian
/ (vəˈlɛərɪən) /

noun

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