Nagkesar
/ˌnɑːɡˈkeɪsər/noun
A fragrant Indian tree, Mesua ferrea, whose flowers and stamens are used in traditional medicine, incense, and as a spice.
Did you know?In Sanskrit, nāga could mean a serpent—especially a cobra—or a powerful serpent-being, while kesara referred to a mane, hair, or flower filament.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
nāga
“Snake or serpent; also a semi-divine serpent-being in Indian mythology.”
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
kesara
“Hair, mane, or the filament-bearing part of a flower.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
nāgakesara
“A compound name literally interpreted as “serpent’s mane,” also used for the fragrant tree and its flowers.”
Medieval Indo-Aryan
Indo-Aryan
nāgkesara / nāgakesar
“Regional forms used for the tree, flower, and aromatic stamens.”
Modern South Asian English
English
nagkesar
“A loanword for Mesua ferrea and its spice-like dried floral material.”