<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>any plant of the genus <em>Valeriana</em>, as the common valerian (<em>V. officinalis</em>), having small, fragrant flowers of white, lavender, or pink and a root that is used medicinally.</li><li>a drug consisting of or made from the root, formerly used as a nerve sedative and antispasmodic.</li></ul>