gentian

noun

gen·​tian ˈjen(t)-shən 

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

Examples of gentian in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Loved for their large, ruffled petals that resemble roses or peonies, prairie gentian (Lisianthus) comes in various colors, including white, pink, purple, and blue. — Sj McShane, Martha Stewart, 9 May 2026

That spirit s macerated for two weeks with 21 botanicals including poppy seed, gentian, juniper berry, kola nut, licorice root, and sarsaparilla. — Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 13 Mar. 2026

At its Himalayan Botanical Garden, plants such as gentian are domesticated for research and cosmetics applications, reducing destructive wild harvesting while supporting biodiversity. — Li Jun, Footwear News, 26 Sep. 2025

Spikes of tiny pink orchids and clusters of deep blue gentian dot the sides of the trail. — R29 Team, Refinery29, 19 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing gentian

• gentian violet
• horse gentian

Rhymes for gentian

• mention
• pension
• tension
• apprehension
• comprehension
• condescension
• hypertension
• hypotension
• reinvention
• reprehension
• resuspension
• attention

Kids Definition

gentian

noun

gen·​tian ˈjen-chən 

: any of various herbs with smooth leaves and showy bell-shaped or funnel-shaped usually blue flowers

Medical Definition

gentian

noun

gen·​tian ˈjen-chən 

1

: any of numerous herbaceous plants (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and especially genus Gentiana) having 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 and stomachic

called also gentian root