/veuh lear"ee euhn/ , n.
1. any plant of the genus Valeriana, as the common valerian V. officinalis, having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally.
2. a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.
[ 1350-1400; ME valirian valeriana (herb) of Valeria (old Roman province, where plant is said to have been common); see -AN ]