gentian

[ jen-shuhn ]

noun

1. any of several plants of the genera Gentiana, Gentianella, and Gentianopsis, having usually blue, or sometimes yellow, white, or red, flowers, as the fringed gentian of North America, or Gentiana lutea, of Europe. Compare gentian family.
2. any of various plants resembling the gentian.
3. the root of G. lutea, or a preparation of it, used as a tonic.

gentian

/ ˈdʒɛnʃən /

noun

1. any gentianaceous plant of the genera Gentiana or Gentianella , having blue, yellow, white, or red showy flowers
2. the bitter-tasting dried rhizome and roots of Gentiana lutea ( European or yellow gentian ), which can be used as a tonic
3. any of several similar plants, such as the horse gentian

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentian¹

1350–1400; Middle English gencian < Latin gentiāna; said to be named after Gentius, an Illyrian king

Word History and Origins

Origin of gentian¹

C14: from Latin gentiāna; perhaps named after Gentius, a second-century bc Illyrian king, reputedly the first to use it medicinally

Example Sentences

The dose and properties resemble those of extract of gentian.

From Project Gutenberg

The principal consumption of extract of gentian is by the brewers, in lieu of hops.

From Project Gutenberg

When the blind gentian speaks out like that the emphasis must be multiplied a hundred fold.

From Project Gutenberg

So in October, when the fields are brown with frost, the blue and fringed gentian meets your eye, filling with thankful tears.

From Project Gutenberg

Gentian roots beaten into a powder, and a drachm of it taken every morning in wine, are an extraordinary remedy.

From Project Gutenberg