valerian

¹

[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.

Valerian

²

[vuh-leer-ee-uhn]

noun

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

valerian

¹

/ 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

Valerian

²

/ vəˈlɛərɪən /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of valerian¹

1350–1400; Middle English valirian < Medieval Latin valeriāna (herb) of Valeria (old Roman province, where plant is said to have been common); -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of valerian¹

C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin valeriana ( herba ) (herb) of Valerius, unexplained Latin personal name

Example Sentences

The horse and carriage, the vintage bridal kimono, the perky orchids, the flash, flash, flash of cameras, the expectations on everyone’s faces, the stressful night’s sleep no amount of Valerian root could remedy — I wasn’t sure if all this was for me.

From Los Angeles Times

But not because of the usual suspects: cold feet or the last-minute cancellations or the eczema reappearing after years of dormancy on my arms or the lack of sleep, although I did forget to pack some Valerian root.

From Los Angeles Times

Herbs that are often promoted for relaxation, stress relief or sleep include valerian root, passionflower, lemon balm and ashwagandha, among others.

From Seattle Times

“Corruption will continue to thrive until justice systems can punish wrongdoing and keep governments in check,” Transparency International chair François Valérian said in a statement.

From Seattle Times

Other fellow mint lovers recommended brewing fresh sprigs of mint with various herbal teas, like chamomile, hibiscus, valerian and rooibos.

From Salon