Толковый словарь английского языка Oxford English Reference - gentian

n. 1 any plant of the genus Gentiana or Gentianella, found esp. in mountainous regions, and having usu. vivid blue flowers. 2 (in full gentian bitter) a liquor extracted from the root of the gentian. Phrases and idioms gentian violet a violet dye used as an antiseptic, esp. in the treatment of burns. Etymology: OE f. L gentiana f. Gentius king of Illyria