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