[gen.tian] n [ME gencian, fr. MF gentiane, fr. L gentiana] (14c) 1: any of numerous herbs (family Gentianaceae, the gentian family, and esp. genus Gentiana) with opposite smooth leaves and showy usu. 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