from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.]
[1913 Webster]
1. (Bot.) A genus of climbing orchidaceous plants, natives of
tropical America.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
Note: As a medicine, vanilla is supposed to possess powers
analogous to valerian, while, at the same time, it is
far more grateful.
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{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}.
[1913 Webster]