valerian

plural valerians

1. countableuncountableA hardy perennial flowering plant, Valeriana officinalis, with heads of sweetly scented pink or white flowers.

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

   1961, Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs, New York: The Citadel Press, page 11

   1 more example

   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.

   1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 112

2. countableuncountableMore generally, any plant of the genus Valeriana.
3. uncountableThe root of Valeriana officinalis, used in herbal medicine.
4. countableuncountableAn extract of the dried roots of the Valeriana officinalis used in herbal medicine as a sedative.

alternative Valerianus

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.

   1942 March 26, “Men in Third Registration Group Are Listed with Order Numbers […]”, in The Howells Journal, volume LIV, number 26, Howells, Neb., →OCLC, page [3], column 1

   3 more examples

   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.

   1946 May 19, “[Weddings] Hunke-Eikmeier”, in Our Sunday Visitor, Omaha Archidiocesan True Voice edition, volume XXV, number 3, Omaha, Neb., →OCLC, page 5, column 2

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

   1948 January 8, “Omega Grand Conclave Rings Out Old Year in Detroit”, in California Eagle, volume 68, number 40, Los Angeles, Calif., →OCLC, page 10, column 8

   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.

   2019 July 28, “[Anniversaries/Birthdays] Knotek, 60th”, in The Journal Times, volume 162, number 209, Racine, Wis., →ISSN, →OCLC, page C4, column 3

alternative Valerianus

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