spikenard

spike·nard  (spknärd)

n.

1. An aromatic perennial herb (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the Himalaya Mountains, having rose-purple flowers. Also called nard.

2. An ointment of antiquity, probably prepared from this aromatic plant.

3. A North American plant (Aralia racemosa) having small greenish flowers, aromatic roots, and bipinnately compound leaves.

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[Middle English, from Anglo-Norman, from Medieval Latin spca nard : Latin spca, spike, ear + Latin nard, genitive of nardus, nard.]

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spikenard

Noun

1. a fragrant Indian plant with rose-purple flowers

2. an ointment obtained from this plant [Medieval Latin spica nardi]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

spikenard - an aromatic ointment used in antiquity nard emollient, ointment, cream - toiletry consisting of any of various substances in the form of a thick liquid that have a soothing and moisturizing effect when applied to the skin