Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.]
   1. (Bot.) A genus of climbing orchidaceous plants, natives of
      tropical America.

   2. The long podlike capsules of {Vanilla planifolia}, and {V.
      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.

   Note: 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}.