n. 1 any plant of the genus Gentiana or Gentianella, found esp. in mountainous regions, and having usu. vivid blue flowers. 2 (in full gentian bitter) a liquor extracted from the root of the gentian. gentian violet a violet dye used as an antiseptic, esp. in the treatment of burns.
[ OE f. L gentiana f. Gentius king of Illyria ]