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

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

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