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gentian violet
noun
: any of several dyes or dye mixtures consisting of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline
especially
: a dark green or greenish mixture used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic
Examples of gentian violet in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
And The People’s Pharmacy discusses lowering cholesterol with red yeast rice, and the uses of gentian violet for fingers and toenails.
—Morning Brief, The Seattle Times, 11 June 2018
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Word History
First Known Use
1876, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near gentian violet
Cite this Entry
“Gentian violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentian%20violet. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
Kids Definition
gentian violet
noun
: a violet dye used as a stain in biology and in a cream or liquid as an antiseptic in some infections caused by bacteria and fungi
Medical Definition
gentian violet
noun
: any of several dyes (as crystal violet) or dye mixtures that consist of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline
especially
: a dark green or greenish mixture used medicinally that contains not less than 96 percent of the derivative of pararosaniline containing six methyl groups in each molecule and is used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic
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