Dictionary

spikenard

noun spike·nard \ˈspīk-ˌnärd\

Definition of SPIKENARD

1
a :  a fragrant ointment of the ancients
b :  a Himalayan aromatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family from which spikenard is believed to have been derived
2
:  a North American perennial herb (Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family with an aromatic root and panicled umbels
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Origin of SPIKENARD

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French spicanarde, from Medieval Latin spica nardi, literally, spike of nard
First Known Use: 14th century
Medical Dictionary

spikenard

noun spike·nard \ˈspīk-ˌnärd\

Medical Definition of SPIKENARD

1
a :  a fragrant ointment of the ancients b :  a Himalayan aromatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) from which spikenard is believed to have been derived
2
:  an American herb of the genus Aralia (A. racemosa) whose dried rhizome and roots have been used as a diaphoretic and aromatic
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