VALERIAN

valerian

(noun) a plant of the genus Valeriana having lobed or dissected leaves and cymose white or pink flowers

Source: WordNet® 3.1


Etymology

Noun

valerian (countable and uncountable, plural valerians)

A hardy perennial flowering plant, Valeriana officinalis, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers.

More generally, any plant of the genus Valeriana.

(uncountable) The root of Valeriana officinalis, used in herbal medicine.

An extract of the dried roots of the Valeriana officinalis used in herbal medicine as a sedative.

Synonyms

• (Valeriana officinalis): allheal, cat thyme

Anagrams

• Ravelian

Etymology 1

Proper noun

Valerian

a Roman cognomen, notably borne by Publius Licinius Valerianus, a Roman emperor

Etymology 2

Proper noun

Valerian

A Russian male given name from Russian

Anagrams

• Ravelian

Source: Wiktionary


Va*le"ri*an, n. Etym: [LL. valeriana, perhaps from some person named Valerius, or fr. L. valere to be strong. powerful, on account of its medicinal virtues: cf. F. valériane.] (Bot.)

Definition: Any plant of the genus Valeriana. The root of the officinal valerian (V. officinalis) has a strong smell, and is much used in medicine as an antispasmodic. Greek valerian (Bot.), a plant (Polemonium cæruleum) with blue or white flowers, and leaves resembling those of the officinal valerian.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition



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Word of the Day

22 April 2025

BRIGHT

(adjective) made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow; “bright silver candlesticks”; “a burnished brass knocker”; “she brushed her hair until it fell in lustrous auburn waves”; “rows of shining glasses”; “shiny black patents”


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