valerian

[ vuh-leer-ee-uh n ]
/ vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

any plant of the genus Valeriana, as the common valerian V. officinalis, having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally.
a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.

Origin of valerian

1350–1400; Middle English valirian < Medieval Latin valeriāna (herb) of Valeria (old Roman province, where plant is said to have been common); see -an

Words nearby valerian

valentinite, valentino, valentinus, valera, valera y alcalá galiano, valerian, valerian family, valerianaceous, valeric, valeric acid, valerie

Definition for valerian (2 of 2)

Valerian
[ vuh-leer-ee-uh n ]
/ vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

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

Example sentences from the Web for valerian

British Dictionary definitions for valerian (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 valerian (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