n.
Pronunciation: ' jen(t)-sh ə n
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English gencian, from Anglo-French genciane, from Latin gentiana
Date: 14th century
1 : any of numerous herbs (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and especially genus Gentiana ) with opposite smooth leaves and showy usually blue flowers
2 : the rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered gentian ( Gentiana lutea ) of southern Europe that is used as a tonic, stomachic, and flavoring in vermouth