Va*le"ri*an (?), n. [LL. valeriana, perhaps from some person named Valerius, or fr. L. valere to be strong. powerful, on account of its medicinal virtues: cf. F. val'eriane.] Bot.
Any plant of the genus Valeriana. The root of the officinal valerian (V. officinalis) has a strong smell, and is much used in medicine as an antispasmodic.
Greek valerian Bot., a plant (Polemonium caeruleum) with blue or white flowers, and leaves resembling those of the officinal valerian.
© Webster 1913.