<p><strong>Noun:</strong></p><ul><li>An aromatic, Indian plant, <em>Nardostachys jatamansi</em>, of the valerian family, believed to be the nard of the ancients.</li><li>An aromatic substance used by the ancients, supposed to be obtained from this plant.</li><li>Any of various other plants, especially an American plant, <em>Aralia racemosa</em>, of the ginseng family, having an aromatic root.</li></ul>