VALERIAN


Meaning of VALERIAN in English

n.

Pronunciation: v ə - ' lir- ē - ə n

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French valeriane, from Medieval Latin valeriana, probably from feminine of valerianus of Valeria, from Valeria, Roman province formerly part of Pannonia

Date: 12th century

1 : any of a genus ( Valeriana of the family Valerianaceae, the valerian family) of perennial herbs and shrubs many of which possess medicinal properties

2 : a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope ( Valeriana officinalis ) used especially formerly as a carminative and sedative

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.