gentian violet

American  

noun

1. a dye derived from rosaniline, used in chemistry as an indicator and in medicine as a fungicide, bactericide, anthelmintic, and in the treatment of burns.

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gentian violet British  

noun

1. Also called: crystal violet.  a greenish crystalline substance, obtained from rosaniline, that forms a violet solution in water, used as an indicator, antiseptic, and in the treatment of burns

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Etymology

Origin of gentian violet

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

This crystalline killer has been named "gramicidin" because its victims all belong to the large class of microbes which take the gentian violet and iodine stain developed by Hans Christian Joachim Gram of Denmark.

From Time Magazine Archive

In the way of medical treatments, she had already dabbed gentian violet on ringworm, aquaflavine emulsion on a cut, and painted lead lotion on a bruise.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan

Stain with aniline gentian violet, and partially decolourise with 2 per cent. acetic acid.

From The Elements of Bacteriological Technique A Laboratory Guide for Medical, Dental, and Technical Students. Second Edition Rewritten and Enlarged. by Eyre, J. W. H. (John William Henry)

They wont take cochineal: they wont take methylene blue; they wont take gentian violet: they wont take any coloring matter.

From The Doctor's Dilemma by Shaw, Bernard

The best stain for acetic acid preparations is, perhaps, gentian violet.

From Elements of Structural and Systematic Botany For High Schools and Elementary College Courses by Campbell, Douglas Houghton