SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

gentian violet

noun, often capitalized G&V

Definition of gentian violet

: any of several dyes or dye mixtures consisting of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline; especially : a dark green or greenish mixture used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic

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First Known Use of gentian violet

1897

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

gentian violet

noun, often capitalized G&V

medical Definition of gentian violet

: any of several dyes (as crystal violet) or dye mixtures that consist of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline; especially : a dark green or greenish mixture used medicinally that contains not less than 96 percent of the derivative of pararosaniline containing six methyl groups in each molecule and is used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic

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