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

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

I thought of the Magdalen's box of spikenard, whose odor, when the box was broken, filled the house.

From Julia Ward Howe 1819-1910 by Elliott, Maud Howe

Thy shoots are a paradise of pomegranates, with precious fruits; Henna with spikenard plants, Spikenard and saffron, Calamus and cinnamon, with all trees of frankincense; Myrrh and aloes, with all the chief spices.

From Union And Communion or Thoughts on the Song of Solomon by Taylor, James Hudson