Wiktionary
n. A dye, derived from gentian violet, that is used as an acid-base indicator and as a biological stain.
WordNet
n. a green crystal (violet in water) used as a dye or stain or bactericide or fungicide or anthelmintic or burn treatment [syn: gentian violet]
Wikipedia
Crystal violet or gentian violet (also known as methyl violet 10B or hexamethyl pararosaniline chloride) is a triarylmethane dye used as a histological stain and in Gram's method of classifying bacteria. Crystal violet has antibacterial, antifungal, and anthelmintic properties and was formerly important as a topical antiseptic. The medical use of the dye has been largely superseded by more modern drugs, although it is still listed by the World Health Organization.
The name "gentian violet" was originally used for a mixture of methyl pararosaniline dyes ( methyl violet), but is now often considered a synonym for crystal violet. The name refers to its colour, being like that of the petals of a gentian flower; it is not made from gentians or from violets.
Usage examples of "crystal violet".
I had the ordinary solvents-alcohol, water, d I had a great range of plant pigments to try, turpentine and its distillates-anfrom indigo to rosehips, along with a good working knowledge of their dyeing properties,I hadn't any crystal violet or carbofuchsin, but I had been able to produce a reddish stain that made epithelial cells highly visible, if only temporarily.
The seas are crystal violet, and when the waves crash on the rocks, the droplets coating the stone sparkle with the shimmer of blood red diamonds in the sun.