centaury

[ sen-taw-ree ]

noun

, plural cen·tau·ries.

1. any of various plants belonging to the genus Centaurium, of the gentian family, having clusters of small pink or red flowers.
2. any of several other plants of the genera Centaurea and Sabatia.

centaury

/ ˈsɛntɔːrɪ /

noun

1. any Eurasian plant of the genus Centaurium, esp C. erythraea, having purplish-pink flowers and formerly believed to have medicinal properties: family Gentianaceae
2. any plant of the genus Centaurea, which includes the cornflower and knapweed: family Compositae (composites)

Word History and Origins

Origin of centaury¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English, Old English centaurie, from Medieval Latin centauria, apparently from Greek kentaúria, neuter plural (taken in Medieval Latin as feminine singular) of kentaúrion, noun use of neuter of kentaúrios (adjective), equivalent to kéntaur(os) “centaur” + -ios adjective suffix; said to be in reference to the centaur Chiron, known for his knowledge of medicinal plants; Chiron ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of centaury¹

C14: ultimately from Greek Kentauros the Centaur; from the legend that Chiron the Centaur divulged its healing properties

Example Sentences

Sometimes they scuttled along open turf, colored like a tapestry meadow with self-heal, centaury and tormentil.

From Literature

In my hand is a steaming mug of Dr Stuart’s “Liver Detox” naturally caffeine-free tea, containing dandelion root, centaury herb and milk thistle.

From The Guardian

To this dietary it adds the seeds of dandelions, centaury and other weeds, but shows a decided preference for the seeds of the compound flowers.

From Project Gutenberg

In the third period, they sought to overcome the wasting of strength in the system by means of tonic and nutritious drinks, decoctions of centaury, Jesuit's bark, juniper berries, &c.

From Project Gutenberg

Little harebells, and pink centaury bordered the pathway.

From Project Gutenberg