| spikenard | 1. <botany> An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region. From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India. 2. A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi. Origin: For spiked nard; cf. G. Spieknarde, NL. Spica nardi. See Spike an ear, and Nard. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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