noun a fragrant essential oil, as that from the nardostachys jatamansi.
2. spikenard ·noun an aromatic plant. in the united states it is the aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. the spikenard of the ancients is the nardostachys jatamansi, a native of the himalayan region. from its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in india.