gentian
gentian Lexical Profile
gentian Game Scores & Validity
• noun
Any of various herbaceous plants of the family Gentianaceae, primarily found in alpine or temperate regions, typically characterized by striking, trumpet-shaped blue flowers.
"While hiking through the Swiss Alps, the botanist paused to photograph a cluster of brilliant blue gentians growing between the rocks."
A bitter medicinal tonic or extract prepared from the rhizomes and roots of certain gentian plants, traditionally used to stimulate appetite and improve digestion.
"The traditional herbalist recommended taking a few drops of gentian root extract before meals to soothe indigestion."
• Rhymes for gentian
Word Origin & Etymology
From Latin 'gentiana', named after Gentius, a 2nd-century BC king of Illyria who, according to Pliny the Elder, discovered the medicinal properties of the plant's root.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.