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.

Origin of gentian violet

First recorded in 1895–1900

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
[ jĕnshən ]

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.