spikenard

American  

[spahyk-nerd, -nahrd] / ˈspaɪk nərd, -nɑrd /

noun

1. an aromatic, Indian plant, Nardostachys jatamansi, of the valerian family, believed to be the nard of the ancients.

2. an aromatic substance used by the ancients, supposed to be obtained from this plant.

3. any of various other plants, especially an American plant, Aralia racemosa, of the ginseng family, having an aromatic root.

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spikenard British  

/ ˈspaɪkəˌnɑːd, ˈspaɪknɑːd /

noun

1. an aromatic Indian valerianaceous plant, Nardostachys jatamans, having rose-purple flowers

2. an aromatic ointment obtained from this plant

3. any of various similar or related plants

4. a North American araliaceous plant, Aralia racemosa, having small green flowers and an aromatic root

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Etymology

Origin of spikenard

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English from Medieval Latin spīca nardī. See spike ², nard

Example Sentences

Spikenard, spīk′n�rd, n. an aromatic oil or balsam yielded by an Indian plant, the Nardus, closely allied to valerian: the plant itself.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Spikenard Ointment.—This was among the most highly prized of oriental unguents.

From Jesus the Christ A Study of the Messiah and His Mission According to Holy Scriptures Both Ancient and Modern by Talmage, James Edward

Spikenard is mentioned in Song of Solomon 1:12; 4:13, 14.

From Jesus the Christ A Study of the Messiah and His Mission According to Holy Scriptures Both Ancient and Modern by Talmage, James Edward

Spikenard in that to lay upon an old wound.

From The Claw by Stockley, Cynthia

The selections have been made from four previous volumes now out of print: Mendicant Rhymes, The Little Land, Rue, and Spikenard.

From Poems by Shanks, Edward