n 1  :  any of a genus (Valeriana of the family Valerianaceae, the valerian family) of perennial herbs many of which possess medicinal properties  2  :  a drug consisting of the dried rhizome and roots of the garden heliotrope (Valeriana officinalis) formerly used as a carminative and sedative .
 
 
 
Similar sounding terms:  fluo·rine 
 
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