valerian
Pronunciation: /vəˈlɪərɪən/
Definition of valerian
noun
- a Eurasian plant which typically bears clusters of small pink or white flowers.
- Family Valerianaceae: several species, in particular common valerian (Valeriana officinalis), a valued medicinal herb, and the Mediterranean red valerian (Centranthus ruber), grown for its spurred flowers which attract butterflies
Origin:
late Middle English: from Old French valeriane, from medieval Latin valeriana (herba), apparently the feminine of Valerianus 'of Valerius' (a personal name)
