gentian

noun gen·tian \ˈjen(t)-shən\

Definition of GENTIAN

: any of numerous herbs (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and especially genus Gentiana) with opposite smooth leaves and showy usually blue flowers

: 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

Origin of GENTIAN

Middle English gencian, from Anglo-French genciane, from Latin gentiana

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with GENTIAN

mention, pension, tension

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

: 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

: 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