Valerian
Pronunciation : Va*le"ri*an
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [LL. valeriana, perhaps from some person named Valerius, or fr. L. valere to be strong. powerful, on account of its medicinal virtues: cf. F. val?riane.] (Bot.)
Definition : Defn: Any plant of the genus Valeriana. The root of the officinal valerian (V. officinalis) has a strong smell, and is much used in medicine as an antispasmodic. Greek valerian (Bot.), a plant (Polemonium c?ruleum) with blue or white flowers, and leaves resembling those of the officinal valerian.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913