spikenard Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun an aromatic ointment used in antiquity
    nard.

WordNet

Spike"nard noun
Etymology
For spiked nard; cf. G. spieknarde, NL. spica nardi. See Spike an ear, and Nard.
Definitions
  1. (Bot.) 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.

Webster 1913