vəˈlirēən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French valeriane, from Medieval Latin valeriana, probably from feminine of valerianus of Valeria, from Valeria, Roman province formerly part of Pannonia + Latin -anus -an
1. : a plant of the genus Valeriana (especially V. officinalis ) — compare greek valerian
2.
a. : a drug consisting of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope ( Valeriana officinalis ) formerly used as a carminative and sedative especially in nervous conditions
b. : the dried rhizome and roots of an East Indian valerian ( V. wallichii ) used in incense and perfumes