Definition of SPIKENARD

spikenard

Meanings

Plural: spikenards

Noun

  • an aromatic ointment used in antiquity
  • A perfumed ointment, extracted from the plant Nardostachys jatamansi that belongs to the Valerian family and grows in the Himalayas.
  • The plant Nardostachys jatamansi (syn. Nardostachys grandiflora).
  • Lavandula stoechas, another species used in antiquity to produce an aromatic oil.
  • Any plant of the genus Aralia of the Araliaceae family.
  • False spikenard (Maianthemum racemosum, syn. Smilacina racemosa)
  • Ploughman's spikenard (Inula conyza, now Pentanema conyzae).
  • Wild spikenard (Asarum europaeum).

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English spikenard, spikenarde, from Anglo-Norman spicanarde, from Medieval Latin spīca nardī, from Latin spica (“spike”) + nardi (“nard”). Equivalent to spike + nard.

Synonyms

nard, spignet

Scrabble Score: 16

spikenard is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
spikenard is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
spikenard is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 18

spikenard is a valid Words With Friends word