释义 |
spike·nard \ˈspīkˌnärd, -ˌnȧd, -_nə(r)d\ noun (-s) Etymology: Middle English, from Middle French or Medieval Latin; Middle French spicanarde, from Medieval Latin spica nardi (translation of Greek nardou stachys), from Latin spica head (of grain), tuft (of a plant) + nardi, gen. of nardus nard — more at spike, nard 1. a. : a costly ointment with a musky odor valued as a perfume in ancient times — called also nard b. : an East Indian aromatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the family Valerianaceae from the dried roots and young stems of which the ointment spikenard is believed to have been derived 2. a. : an American herb (Aralia racemosa) distinguished from wild sarsaparilla by its more aromatic root and its panicled umbels — called also American spikenard b. : any of various other fragrant plants — usually used in combination < plowman's-spikenard > |