valerian

noun

1. (countable, uncountable)A hardy perennial flowering plant, Valeriana officinalis, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers.

   “In the event of anyone wishing to invoke the very Prince of Spirits, the following ingredients were prescribed to be burnt - Juice of Hypericon, Saffron, Artemisia, and the root of Valerian.”

   “Tobacco and the plant valerian are also considered to be anaphrodisiac in their effects, diminishing sexual inclination.”

2. (countable, uncountable)More generally, any plant of the genus Valeriana.
3. (uncountable)The root of Valeriana officinalis, used in herbal medicine.
4. (countable, uncountable)An extract of the dried roots of the Valeriana officinalis used in herbal medicine as a sedative.

name

1. a Roman cognomen, notably borne by Publius Licinius Valerianus, a Roman emperor
2. A male given name from Latin, of rare usage.

   “10243—Valerian Joseph Eikmeier, D.”

   “Miss Coletta Hunke, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Hunke, was married to Valerian Eikmeier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Eikmeier at St. Boniface church, May 1, 1946.”

   “The outstanding Omega man Plaque went to Valerian Edward Smith of Howard University, […]”

   “Mr. and Mrs. Valerian “Jerry” Knotek of 2115 Shoop St. will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary Aug. 3 with a cake and punch celebration at their granddaughter’s residence.”

3. A transliteration of the Russian male given name Валериа́н (Valerián).