valerian
valerian Lexical Profile
valerian Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A pungent extract or dried preparation made from the root of Valeriana officinalis, widely used in herbal medicine as a mild sedative to relieve insomnia and nervous anxiety.
"She brewed a warm cup of tea infused with valerian before bed to help calm her racing thoughts."
Any of various perennial flowering plants of the genus Valeriana (family Caprifoliaceae), especially Valeriana officinalis, native to Europe and Asia and cultivated for their dense, fragrant clusters of small pink or white tubular blossoms.
"Tall stalks of blooming valerian attracted numerous butterflies and bees to the sunny cottage garden."
An herbaceous plant of the genus Valeriana grown as a medicinal herb for its strongly scented rhizomes and roots.
"The herbalist harvested the pungent roots of the valerian in autumn to dry them for winter remedies."
• Rhymes for valerian
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed from Old French valeriane, from Medieval Latin valeriana, which likely derives from the Latin verb valere ('to be strong or healthy'), in reference to the plant's long-standing medicinal use.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.