Main Entry: gen·tian

Pronunciation: \ˈjen(t)-shən\

Function: noun

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

Date: 14th century

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