# nard

> English word · Noun · IPA /nɑɹd/ · frequency rank #87,600

## Definitions
1. A flowering plant of species Nardostachys jatamansi, in the valerian family, that grows in the Himalayas and is used as a perfume, an incense, a sedative, and an herbal medicine.
2. A fragrant oil from the plant, formerly much prized.
3. American spikenard (Aralia racemosa), a North American perennial herb with an aromatic root.

## Etymology
From Middle English narde, from Old French narde, Latin nardus, from Ancient Greek νάρδος (nárdos), from Phoenician [Term?], Sanskrit नलद (nálada, “Indian narde”). Doublet of nardus.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/nard