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Webster 1913 Edition
Vanilla
Va-nil′la
,Noun.
[NL., fr. Sp.
vainilla
, dim. of Sp. vaina
a sheath, a pod, L. vagina
; because its grains, or seeds, are contained in little pods.] 1.
(Bot.)
A genus of climbing orchidaceous plants, natives of tropical America.
2.
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. ☞ 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
.Webster 1828 Edition
Vanilla
VANIL'LA
,Noun.