gentian

gentian Definition

gen·tian (jen′s̸hən)

adjective

designating a family (Gentianaceae, order Gentianales) of dicotyledonous plants, including the fringed gentians and the closed gentians

Etymology: ME genciane < OFr gentiane < L gentiana, of Illyrian orig.

noun

any of a large genus (Gentiana) of plants of the gentian family, with blue, white, red, or yellow flowers
the bitter root of the yellow gentian (G. lutea), used as a gastrointestinal tonic

gentian Usage Examples

Converse of object

include: Hay cutting and carefully managed grazing produces a rich floral assemblage including gentians and orchids.

Adjective modifier

blue: A final mention was made of the rich blue gentian, in the Ericaceous border.
early: For pictures of the early gentian, shore dock, or marsh fritillary, please contact the press office.
alpine: On the southern slopes are alpine gentians, which need a full sun to display their flowers.
rare: Among the abundant wild flowers, look out for the rare autumn gentian.

Modifies a noun

violet: Seat customer, mark ear lobes, preferably with gentian violet pen.
root: You can mail order powdered gentian root by Herbs of Grace from the Nutricentre.

Noun used with modifier

marsh: Local plants include common heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath, bog asphodel, sundews and marsh gentian.
autumn: Among the abundant wild flowers, look out for the rare autumn gentian.
field: Field Gentian Two species of gentian can be found in Shetland; the field gentian and the autumn gentian.
mountain: A short ascent brings us to a delightful picnic spot among mountain gentians.

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