The Collaborative International Dictionary
Valeriana officinalis
Setwall \Set"wall`\, n. [CF. Cetewale.] (Bot.)
A plant formerly valued for its restorative qualities
( Valeriana officinalis, or V. Pyrenaica). [Obs.] [Written
also setwal.]
--Chaucer.
Valeriana officinalis
Valerian \Va*le"ri*an\, n. [LL. valeriana, perhaps from some person named Valerius, or fr. L. valere to be strong. powerful, on account of its medicinal virtues: cf. F. val['e]riane.] (Bot.) Any plant of the genus Valeriana. The root of the officinal valerian ( Valeriana officinalis) has a strong smell, and is much used in medicine as an antispasmodic.
Greek valerian (Bot.), a plant ( Polemonium c[ae]ruleum) with blue or white flowers, and leaves resembling those of the officinal valerian.