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noun

valerian

vuh-LEER-reern

Valerian (noun) means a flowering plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, often as a natural sleep aid or calming remedy. Example: “She took a valerian supplement to help her sleep.”

noun
1
A flowering plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, often as a natural sleep aid or calming remedy.
"She took a valerian supplement to help her sleep."
"Valerian tea has a strong, earthy smell that not everyone likes."

How to use valerian

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA plant whose root is used as a natural remedy for anxiety and sleep problems.

Common pairings
valerian root valerian tea valerian supplement

Word forms

valerians plural

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She took a _____ supplement to help her sleep.

Etymology

From Old French valeriane or Medieval Latin valeriana, likely linked to Latin valere ("to be strong") or the Roman family name Valerius.

Origin: Medieval Latin

allheal cat thyme

Related words

Rhymes for valerian

See all rhymes for valerian →

Frequently asked questions

What does “valerian” mean?

The word “valerian” means a flowering plant whose root is used in herbal medicine, often as a natural sleep aid or calming remedy. In plain terms, a plant whose root is used as a natural remedy for anxiety and sleep problems.

How do you pronounce “valerian”?

“Valerian” is pronounced vuh-LEER-reern (/vəˈlɪəɹɪən/ in IPA).

How do you use “valerian” in a sentence?

Here is “valerian” used in a sentence: “She took a valerian supplement to help her sleep.”

What is another word for “valerian”?

Words with a similar meaning to “valerian” include allheal and cat thyme.

What part of speech is “valerian”?

“Valerian” is a noun.

Where does the word “valerian” come from?

The word “valerian” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French valeriane or Medieval Latin valeriana, likely linked to Latin valere ("to be strong") or the Roman family name Valerius.

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