gentian

noun

gen·​tian ˈjen(t)-shən 

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

Examples of gentian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Tiny golden buttercups, scarlet gilia, purple sticky geraniums, and 3-foot green gentians, which live for decades but only bloom once, are all on display. —Krista Simmons and J.d. Simkins, Sunset Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024

Female Alcon blues lay their eggs on gentians. —Elizabeth Kolbert, The New Yorker, 27 Mar. 2023

Its distinguishing feature is Aperol, a bright orange bitter Italian liqueur of gentian, rhubarb, and cinchona. —Alex Erdekian, Condé Nast Traveler, 27 Apr. 2020

The French have bright yellow Suze and clear Salers, both gentian-based; the Germans have Jägermeister and Underberg. —M. Carrie Allan, chicagotribune.com, 20 Nov. 2019

This year’s Olympic Games bouquet consists of eustoma, sunflower, gentian, narcolan and haran blossoms. —Raisa Bruner, Time, 7 Feb. 2020

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gentian

• gentian violet
• horse gentian

Kids Definition

gentian

noun

gen·​tian ˈjen-chən 

: any of various herbs with smooth leaves and showy bell-shaped or funnel-shaped usually blue flowers

Medical Definition

gentian

noun

gen·​tian ˈjen-chən 

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