valerian

[vuh-leer-ee-uh n] /vəˈlɪər i ən/
noun
1.
any plant of the genus Valeriana, as the common valerian V. officinalis, having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally.
2.
a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English valirian < Medieval Latin valeriāna (herb) of Valeria (old Roman province, where plant is said to have been common); see -an

Valerian

[vuh-leer-ee-uh n] /vəˈlɪər i ən/
noun
1.
(Publius Licinius Valerianus) died a.d. c260, Roman emperor 253–60.
British Dictionary definitions for valerian

valerian

/vəˈlɛərɪən/
noun
1.
Also called allheal. any of various Eurasian valerianaceous plants of the genus Valeriana, esp V. officinalis, having small white or pinkish flowers and a medicinal root
2.
a sedative drug made from the dried roots of V. officinalis
Word Origin
C14: via Old French from Medieval Latin valeriana (herba) (herb) of Valerius, unexplained Latin personal name

Valerian

/vəˈlɛərɪən/
noun
1.
Latin name Publius Licinius Valerianus. died 260 ad, Roman emperor (253–260): renewed persecution of the Christians; defeated by the Persians
Word Origin and History for valerian
n.

late 14c., from Old French valeriane, apparently from feminine singular of Latin adjective Valerianus, from the personal name Valerius (see Valerie); but Weekley writes, "some of the German and Scand. forms of the name point rather to connection with the saga-hero Wieland."