gentian

gen·tian

noun \ˈjen(t)-shən\

Definition of GENTIAN

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

Origin of GENTIAN

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with GENTIAN

mention, pension, tension