gentian violet
noun
a dye derived from rosaniline, used in chemistry as an indicator and in medicine as a fungicide, bactericide, anthelmintic, and in the treatment of burns.
Also called
crystal violet,
methylrosaniline chloride.
Origin of gentian violet
First recorded in 1895–1900
Words nearby gentian violet
genteel,
genteelism,
gentian,
gentian blue,
gentian family,
gentian violet,
gentianaceous,
gentianella,
gentianophil,
gentianophobic,
gentile
British Dictionary definitions for gentian violet
gentian violet
noun
a greenish crystalline substance, obtained from rosaniline, that forms a violet solution in water, used as an indicator, antiseptic, and in the treatment of burns
Also called: crystal violet
Medical definitions for gentian violet
gentian violet
[ jĕn′shən ]
n.
Any of several basic dyes that are derivatives of pararosaniline, especially a dark green or greenish mixture that is used as a biological stain and as a bactericide, a fungicide, and an anthelmintic.