spikenard
pronunciation
How to pronounce spikenard in British English:
UK ['spaɪknɑ:d]
How to pronounce spikenard in American English:
US ['spaɪknɑd]
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- Noun:
- an aromatic ointment used in antiquity
Word Origin
- spikenard (n.)
- mid-14c., "aromatic substance from an Indian plant, famous perfumed unguent of the ancients," from Medieval Latin spica nardi (see spike (n.2)), rendering Greek nardou stakhys, in which the other element probably ultimately from Sanskrit nalada-, the name of the plant.
Example
- 1. Then took mary a pound of ointment of spikenard , very costly , and anointed the feet of jesus , and wiped his feet with her hair : and the house was filled with the odour of the ointment .