valerian

[ vuh-leer-ee-uhn ]

/ vəˈlɪər i ən /

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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.

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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

Valentino, Valentinus, Vale of Glamorgan, Valera, Valera y Alcalá Galiano, valerian, valerianaceous, valerian family, valeric, valeric acid, Valerie

Other definitions for valerian (2 of 2)

Valerian

[ vuh-leer-ee-uhn ]

/ vəˈlɪər i ən /

noun

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use valerian in a sentence

SugarBear Sleep Vitamins contain non-addictive melatonin, but also valerian root, lemon balm, magnesium, and other sleep-inducing herbs and minerals—which is a winning recipe for making me drowsy.
Shoppers Say These Sleep Gummies Are ‘Better Than Ambien’|Erica Radol|April 4, 2022|The Daily Beast
Consequently, instead of hurrying straight to the Valerian army, I journeyed leisurely with Courtney to the capital.
The Colonel of the Red Huzzars|John Reed Scott
The lieutenants of Valerian were grateful to the father, whom they esteemed.
The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire|Edward Gibbon
Let them remember their own moderation, towards the unhappy Valerian.
The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire|Edward Gibbon

Roman war with Persia; defeat and capture of Valerian by Sapor.
The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 03|Various
Whats your object in saying that, Valerian-181- Vladimiritch, she remarked, as though sympathetically.
Smoke|Turgenev Ivan Sergeevich

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012