SPIKENARD


Meaning of SPIKENARD in English

[ 'spʌɪknα:d ]

■ noun

1》 an expensive perfumed ointment much valued in ancient times.

2》 the Himalayan plant of the valerian family that produces the rhizome from which this ointment was prepared. [ Nardostachys grandiflora .]

Origin

ME: from med. L. spica nardi (see spike 2 , nard ), translating Gk nardostakhus .

Concise Oxford English vocab.      Сжатый оксфордский словарь английского языка.