spikenard
noun
spike·nard ˈspīk-ˌnärd 
1
a
: a fragrant ointment of the ancients
b
: a Himalayan aromatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family from which spikenard is believed to have been derived
2
: a North American perennial herb (Aralia racemosa) of the ginseng family with an aromatic root and panicled umbels
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web For example, a chartreuse shrub that brightens some shady spots at the Arboretum is Sun King Japanese spikenard (Aralia cordata ‘Sun King’). 
Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2022 And in the chapter that follows, immediately after this story, Jesus submits to the anointing of Lazarus’ sister Mary, who breaks open a costly lot of spikenard and anoints his feet with it (12:3). The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 Feb. 2021
Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 21 Aug. 2022 And in the chapter that follows, immediately after this story, Jesus submits to the anointing of Lazarus’ sister Mary, who breaks open a costly lot of spikenard and anoints his feet with it (12:3). The Salt Lake Tribune, 22 Feb. 2021 Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French or Medieval Latin; Anglo-French spicanarde, from Medieval Latin spica nardi, literally, spike of nard
First Known Use
14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Medical Definition
spikenard
noun
spike·nard ˈspīk-ˌnärd
1
a
: a fragrant ointment of the ancients
b
: a Himalayan aromatic plant (Nardostachys jatamansi) from which spikenard is believed to have been derived
2
: an American herb of the genus Aralia (A. racemosa) whose dried rhizome and roots have been used as a diaphoretic and aromatic
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