- Vanilla planifolia
- 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. [1913 Webster]
{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]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
