Va-nil'la, n.

n. [N. Lat., Fr. vanille, It. vainiglia, Pg. bainilha, baunilha, Sp. vainilla and vainica, dim. of Sp. vaina, a sheath, a pod, Lat. vagina, because its grains of seed are contained in little pods.] (Bot.) (a.) A genus of orchidaceous plants, natives of tropical America. (b.) The capsule of Vanilla planifolia, and V. claviculata, remarkable for its delicate and agreeable odor, and for the volatile, odoriferous oil extracted from it; also, the perfume made from the capsule, or a preparation of the latter, extensively used for flavoring confectionery, and the like.

☞ As a medicine, vanilla is supposed to possess powers analogous to valerian, while, at the same time, it is far more grateful.