ˈswərsh(ē)ə, -rd.ēə noun
Usage: capitalized
Etymology: New Latin, from Emanuel Swert (Sweert), 17th century Du. botanist + New Latin -ia
: a small genus of herbs (family Gentianaceae) found chiefly in the western United States and having thick, bitter roots, opposite or whorled leaves, and dull-colored flowers — see green gentian