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gentian violet

noun, often capitalized G&V
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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

Examples of gentian violet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And The People’s Pharmacy discusses lowering cholesterol with red yeast rice, and the uses of gentian violet for fingers and toenails. — Morning Brief, The Seattle Times, "Monday Morning Brief, June 11: Summit with North Korea, who Seattle’s newcomers are," 11 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'gentian violet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of gentian violet

1897, in the meaning defined above

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The first known use of gentian violet was in 1897

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Cite this Entry

“Gentian violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentian%20violet. Accessed 28 May. 2020.

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More Definitions for gentian violet

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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