valerian

[ vuh-leer-ee-uhn ]

noun
  1. 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.

  2. a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.

Origin of valerian

1
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

Other definitions for Valerian (2 of 2)

Valerian
[ vuh-leer-ee-uhn ]

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

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How to use valerian in a sentence

  • 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
  1. 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

  2. a sedative drug made from the dried roots of V. officinalis

Origin of valerian

1
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
  1. Latin name Publius Licinius Valerianus. died 260 ad, Roman emperor (253–260): renewed persecution of the Christians; defeated by the Persians

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