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spikenard

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spikenard

Main Entry:: spike·nard
Pronunciation:: \ˈspīk-ˌnärd\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French spicanarde, from Medieval Latin spica nardi, literally, spike of nard
Date:: 14th century

1 a: a fragrant ointment of the ancients b: a Himalayan aromatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family from which spikenard is believed to have been derived2: a North American perennial herb (Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family with an aromatic root and panicled umbels

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