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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

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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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.

Modifies a noun

  • violet: Seat customer, mark ear lobes, preferably with gentian violet pen.

Noun used with modifier

  • marsh: Local plants include common heather, bell heather, cross-leaved heath, bog asphodel, sundews and marsh gentian.
gentian usage examples (more)

The word usage examples above have been gathered from various sources to reflect current and historical usage. They do not represent the opinions of YourDictionary.com.

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"gentian." Webster's New World College Dictionary. 2009

  • Your Dictionary. 5 July 2009
  • <www.yourdictionary.com/gentian>

APA Style

gentian. (2009). In Webster's New World College Dictionary

  • Retrieved July 5th, 2009, from www.yourdictionary.com/gentian

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