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 derived
2 : a North American perennial herb (Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family with an aromatic root and panicled umbels