Definition of spikenard

• n. - An aromatic plant. In the United States it is the Aralia racemosa, often called spignet, and used as a medicine. The spikenard of the ancients is the Nardostachys Jatamansi, a native of the Himalayan region. From its blackish roots a perfume for the hair is still prepared in India.
• n. - A fragrant essential oil, as that from the Nardostachys Jatamansi.