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valerian
noun
va·le·ri·an
və-ˈlir-ē-ən
1
: any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Caprifoliaceae, the honeysuckle family) of perennial herbs and shrubs many of which possess medicinal properties
2
: a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) used especially formerly as a carminative and sedative
Examples of valerian in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The three amino acids are combined with vitamins B6 and B3, magnesium and valerian, all ingredients that support stress-relief.
—Anna Haines, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024
For these reasons, in its 2017 practice guidelines, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended against using valerian for insomnia.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024
Most of the studies covering valerian use the capsule form compared to the teas.
—Valerie Agyeman, Good Housekeeping, 20 Apr. 2023
Field after field frothed with wildflowers — poppies, pink valerian, thistle — all swaying in the wake of the speeding supercars like fans at a rock concert.
—Nicole Trilivas, Travel + Leisure, 11 Apr. 2023
My doctor recommended the herbal supplement valerian.
—Annie Lane, oregonlive, 27 Mar. 2020
Tidy boxwood hedging outlines the spring display and provides a framework for later waves of allium and lilies that bloom companionably among the roses, valerian, yarrow and other summer perennials in the small but striking space.
—Lorene Edwards Forkner, The Seattle Times, 13 Apr. 2019
Out of the natural or herbal supplements available (including chamomile and lavender), valerian has the most studies supporting its sleep-inducing effects, Dr. Bollu says.
—Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 30 Jan. 2019
Common over-the-counter sleeping medications have one of four ingredients: melatonin, diphenhydramine, doxylamine, or valerian.
—Yvette D'entremont, SELF, 28 Nov. 2018
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Word History
Etymology
Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French valeriane, borrowed from Medieval Latin valeriana, of obscure origin
First Known Use
12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Time Traveler
The first known use of valerian was
in the 12th century
Dictionary Entries Near valerian
Cite this Entry
“Valerian.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/valerian. Accessed 24 Dec. 2024.
Medical Definition
valerian
noun
va·le·ri·an
və-ˈlir-ē-ən
1
: any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Valerianaceae, the valerian family) of perennial herbs many of which possess medicinal properties
2
: a preparation of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) that is used as an herbal remedy and is held to be beneficial in treating nervousness and insomnia
called also valerian root
Biographical Definition
Valerian
biographical name
Va·le·ri·an
və-ˈlir-ē-ən
died a.d. 260 Publius Licinius Valerianus Roman emperor (253–260)
More from Merriam-Webster on valerian
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about valerian
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