spikenard

/'spaiknɑ:d/

Thân thiện

A woman prepares a small jar of spikenard ointment.

Definition

Noun: 1. An aromatic plant: A historical term for a perennial herb (Nardostachys jatamansi) of the valerian family, native to the Himalayas, valued for its fragrant roots and rhizomes. 2. A precious aromatic substance: A costly, thick, and sweet-smelling ointment or perfume made from the oil of the spikenard plant, used in ancient times for anointing.

Usage and Examples

• Noun (Plant):
  • The spikenard grows in the high mountains of Nepal and India.
  • Ancient traders carried dried spikenard root over long distances.
• Noun (Ointment/Perfume):
  • In biblical accounts, Mary anointed Jesus's feet with expensive spikenard.
  • Spikenard was one of the most valued perfumes in the ancient Roman world.

Advanced Usage

• "Nard": A common shorter synonym for spikenard, especially when referring to the ointment.
  • The alabaster jar was filled with pure nard.

Variants and Related Words

• Nard (n): A direct synonym for spikenard, particularly the aromatic preparation.
• Nardostachys jatamansi (n): The modern botanical name for the spikenard plant.

Synonyms

• Nard: The primary synonym.
• Ointment, unguent, perfume: General terms for the substance spikenard produced.
• Aromatic, fragrance: Words describing its key characteristic.

Related Phrases and Contexts

• "Anointed with spikenard": A phrase describing a ceremonial or honorific act from antiquity.
  • The honored guest was anointed with spikenard.
• "Jar of spikenard": A common historical reference to the container for this valuable substance.
  • She broke the sealed jar of spikenard.

Học thuật

Noun

1. an aromatic ointment used in antiquity

Từ đồng nghĩa

• nard