Meaning & use

spikenard

noun·Advanced

A fragrant amber oil obtained from a Himalayan plant, historically used to make perfume and ointment.

See it in a sentence

The ancient text describes a jar of costly spikenard used to anoint an honored guest.

Traders once carried spikenard along the same routes used for silk and spices.

A note on using this word

Spikenard is best known today from its mention in classical and biblical texts as a rare, expensive perfume.

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