First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
gentian
noun gen·tian \ˈjen(t)-shən\
Definition of GENTIAN
1
: any of numerous herbs (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and especially genus Gentiana) with opposite smooth leaves and showy usually blue flowers
2
: the rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered gentian (Gentiana lutea) of southern Europe that is used as a tonic, stomachic, and flavoring in vermouth
See gentian defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of GENTIAN
Middle English gencian, from Anglo-French genciane, from Latin gentiana
GENTIAN Defined for Kids
gentian
noun gen·tian \ˈjen-chən\
Definition of GENTIAN for Kids
: a plant with smooth leaves and usually blue flowers
Medical Dictionary
gentian
noun gen·tian \ˈjen-chən\
Medical Definition of GENTIAN
1
: any of two genera (Gentiana and Dasystephana) of herbs belonging to a family (Gentianaceae, the gentian family) and having opposite smooth leaves and showy usually blue flowers
2
: the rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered gentian (Gentiana lutea) of southern Europe that is used as a tonic and stomachic—called also gentian root
Learn More About GENTIAN
Browse
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up gentian? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).