Va·le·ri·an n.  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 caeruleum) with blue or white flowers, and leaves resembling those of the officinal valerian.
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  Greek valerian
       n 1: erect or spreading perennial of the eastern United States
            [syn: Polemonium reptans]
       2: pinnate-leaved European perennial having bright blue or
          white flowers [syn: Jacob's ladder, charity, Polemonium
          caeruleum, Polemonium van-bruntiae, Polymonium
          caeruleum van-bruntiae]