gentian

American  

[jen-shuhn] / ˈdʒɛn ʃən /

noun

1. any of several plants of the genera Gentiana, Gentianella, and Gentianopsis, having usually blue, or sometimes yellow, white, or red, flowers, as the fringed gentian of North America, or Gentiana lutea, of Europe.

2. any of various plants resembling the gentian.

3. the root of G. lutea, or a preparation of it, used as a tonic.

---

gentian British  

/ ˈdʒɛnʃən /

noun

1. any gentianaceous plant of the genera Gentiana or Gentianella , having blue, yellow, white, or red showy flowers

2. the bitter-tasting dried rhizome and roots of Gentiana lutea ( European or yellow gentian ), which can be used as a tonic

3. any of several similar plants, such as the horse gentian

---

Etymology

Origin of gentian

1350–1400; Middle English gencian < Latin gentiāna; said to be named after Gentius, an Illyrian king

Example Sentences

These included resveratrol, found in foods such as grapes, peanuts, and cranberries, and amarogentin, a compound from the gentian plant considered one of the most astringent tastes in the world.

From Science Magazine • Nov. 12, 2023

It also consists of no artificial flavors and only natural ingredients including riesling white-grape juice concentrate, gentian root extract and lemon balm extract.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 2, 2022

Added to bottled soft drinks since the late 19th century, gentian root has a long history as a bittering agent.

From New York Times • Aug. 23, 2021

Citrusy and floral, with an uncloying sweetness that’s invigorated with bitter gentian and wormwood, it’s best enjoyed over ice or in a simple spritz.

From Seattle Times • Jul. 11, 2019

In the way of medical treatments, she had already dabbed gentian violet on ringworm, aquaflavine emulsion on a cut, and painted lead lotion on a bruise.

From "Atonement" by Ian McEwan