gentian

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Altogether these formed the most picturesque little nooks it was possible to conceive; and they exhibited the withered remains of so many kinds of primrose, gentian, anemone, potentilla, orchis, saxifrage, parnassia, campanula, and pedicularis, that in summer they must be perfect gardens of wild flowers.

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Definitions (35)

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  1. noun Any of numerous plants of the genus Gentiana, characteristically having showy, variously colored flowers.
  2. noun The dried rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered European gentian, G. lutea, sometimes used as a tonic.

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Examples (50)

  • It may be used with confidence as an entirely safe and harmless remedy in this troublesome affection A prescription frequently ordered for the nausea of pregnancy by the late distinguished Dr. Meigs, consisted of equal parts of sweet tincture of rhubarb and compound tincture of gentian--a dessert spoonful to be taken after meals Pain in the abdomen_, caused by the distension of its walls, may be relieved by the application of equal parts of sweet oil and laudanum Another common and annoying, but rarely dangerous, trouble during pregnancy is VARICOSE VEINS The veins of the legs become distended, knotted, and painful. —  The Physical Life of Woman: Advice to the Maiden, Wife and Mother
  • Probably the best tonic is one consisting of powdered sulphate of iron, gentian, and ginger in equal parts; a heaping tablespoonful of the mixture is given as a drench or mixed with the feed, twice a day. —  Special Report on Diseases of the Horse
  • This wild heathy tract was covered with the blue flower of the dwarf gentian, and strewed all over with menhirs. —  Brittany ; Its Byways
  • The following is good for nervous patients Valerianate of zinc 18 grains Valerianate of quinine 18 grains Iron Arsenate 2 grains Mix and make into eighteen pills and take one after meals 108 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Bitter tonics can be taken such as gentian, columbo, quassia. —  Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada
  • Here they are--gentian root, Epsom salts, capsicum, oxide of iron, fenugreek, nux vomica, ginger root, charcoal, soda, salt. —  Pratt's Practical Pointers on the Care of Livestock and Poultry
 

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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Middle English gencian, from Old French genciane, from Latin gentiāna, perhaps after Gentius, second-century B.C. king of Illyria.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from Middle English gencyan, from Old French gentiane = Spanish Portuguese genciana, from Latin gentiana, Greek γεντιανή, also γεντιάς, gentian; said to have been named after an Illyrian king Gentius, Greek Γέντιος, who was the first to discover its properties.
 

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/ˈdʒɛnʃɪən/
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