The Collaborative International Dictionary
Vanilla \Va*nil"la\, n. [NL., fr. Sp. vainilla, dim. of Sp. vaina a sheath, a pod, L. vagina; because its grains, or seeds, are contained in little pods.]
(Bot.) A genus of climbing orchidaceous plants, natives of tropical America.
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The long podlike capsules of Vanilla planifolia, and Vanilla claviculata, remarkable for their delicate and agreeable odor, for the volatile, odoriferous oil extracted from them; also, the flavoring extract made from the capsules, extensively used in confectionery, perfumery, etc.
Note: As a medicine, vanilla is supposed to possess powers analogous to valerian, while, at the same time, it is far more grateful.
Cuban vanilla, a sweet-scented West Indian composite shrub ( Eupatorium Dalea).
Vanilla bean, the long capsule of the vanilla plant.
Vanilla grass. Same as Holy grass, under Holy.