spikenard

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a Himalayan aromatic plant, Nardostachys jatamansi, whose rhizome yields fragrant oil

   Spikenard grows at high elevations in the Himalayan region.

2. 2
   noun

   a costly aromatic oil or ointment prepared from that plant and used in antiquity

   The merchant stored spikenard with myrrh and other precious perfumes.

From Middle English through Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin spica nardi, literally 'spike of nard,' from Latin spica, 'ear or spike,' + nardus, 'nard.' The compound distinguishes the aromatic Himalayan plant and the costly perfume made from its rhizome.

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