valerian

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a perennial flowering plant of the genus Valeriana, especially Valeriana officinalis, with clusters of small pink or white flowers

   Valerian grew beside the stream and produced pale flowers in early summer.

2. 2
   noun

   the dried root of Valeriana officinalis or a preparation made from it, used in herbal medicine as a sedative

   She asked the pharmacist whether valerian might interact with her prescription medicine.

From Middle English and Old French valeriane, from Medieval Latin valeriana. The deeper origin is uncertain: it has traditionally been associated either with Latin valere ("to be strong or healthy") or with the personal name Valerius.

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