ˈjenchən noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English gencian, from Middle French genciane, gentiane, from Latin gentiana, perhaps after Gentius, 2d century B.C. Illyrian king said to have discovered its virtues
1. : a plant of the genus Gentiana — see closed gentian , fringed gentian
2. also gentian root : the rhizome and roots of the yellow gentian ( Gentiana lutea ) used as a tonic and stomachic