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

See Examples For:

spikenard

These include pomegranates, wine, myrrh, spikenard and cinnamon.

From Salon ● Jan. 5, 2014

In the garden grow "an orchard of pomegranates . . . spikenard and saffron; calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense".

From The Guardian ● Jan. 29, 2011

The salt is mixed with high-altitude herbs like spikenard that apparently calm the senses.

From Time Magazine Archive

He was seen that day sitting at the head of his table, and his spikenard sending forth a pleasant smell.

From Biographia Scoticana (Scots Worthies) A Brief Historical Account of the Lives, Characters, and Memorable Transactions of the Most Eminent Scots Worthies by Howie, John

“A ball of nard,” an unguent of spikenard, odorous and highly aromatic and restorative.

From The Browning Cyclop?dia A Guide to the Study of the Works of Robert Browning by Berdoe, Edward