a tranquilizer (trade name Valium) used to relieve anxiety and relax muscles; acts by enhancing the inhibitory actions of the neurotransmitter GABA; can also be used as an anticonvulsant drug in cases of nerve agent poisoning
"The doctor prescribed valium to help calm my severe anxiety and relax tense muscles after the traumatic event."
The drug diazepam.
"She took a dose of Valium to help her sleep after a particularly stressful day at work."
Valium was not derived from any existing language but was invented as a unique brand name by its creators. The word traveled into English directly through commercial advertising rather than evolving from an older root or meaning.