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 [ˈspaɪknɑːd ˈspaɪkəˌnɑːd]

n

1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) an aromatic Indian valerianaceous plant, Nardostachys jatamans, having rose-purple flowers

2. (Chemistry / Elements & Compounds) an aromatic ointment obtained from this plant

3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) any of various similar or related plants

4. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Plants) a North American araliaceous plant, Aralia racemosa, having small green flowers and an aromatic root Also called (for senses 1, 2) nard

[from Medieval Latin spīca nardī; see spike², nard]

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

Translations

spikenard [ˈspaɪknɑːd] N → nardo m