gentian violet

noun

: any of several dyes or dye mixtures consisting of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline
especially : a dark green or greenish mixture used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic

Examples of gentian violet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And The People’s Pharmacy discusses lowering cholesterol with red yeast rice, and the uses of gentian violet for fingers and toenails. Morning Brief, The Seattle Times, 11 June 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gentian violet was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near gentian violet

Cite this Entry

“Gentian violet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gentian%20violet. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

gentian violet

noun
: a violet dye used as a stain in biology and in a cream or liquid as an antiseptic in some infections caused by bacteria and fungi

Medical Definition

gentian violet

noun
: any of several dyes (as crystal violet) or dye mixtures that consist of one or more methyl derivatives of pararosaniline
especially : a dark green or greenish mixture used medicinally that contains not less than 96 percent of the derivative of pararosaniline containing six methyl groups in each molecule and is used especially as a bactericide, fungicide, and anthelmintic
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