crystal violet

noun

: a triphenylmethane dye found in gentian violet

Examples of crystal violet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web That thick layer of peptidoglycan helps hold in a purple dye called crystal violet. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 Aug. 2019 By contrast, cells with more complex cell walls consisting of a relatively thin layer of peptidoglycan plus an outer membrane don’t hold in crystal violet as well. Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 16 Aug. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'crystal violet.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1885, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of crystal violet was in 1885

Dictionary Entries Near crystal violet

Cite this Entry

“Crystal violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/crystal%20violet. Accessed 19 Apr. 2024.

Medical Definition

crystal violet

noun
: a triphenylmethane dye found in gentian violet

called also methylrosaniline chloride

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