centaury
/ˈsɛntɔːri
/noun (plural centauries)
A widely distributed herbaceous plant of the gentian family, typically having pink flowers.
- Centaurium and related genera, family Gentianaceae: many species.
- The leaves, stems, and flowers of centaury are used medicinally.
- The mythical centaur Chironia, cured a poison arrow wound with centaury, hence its name.
Origin
Late Middle English: from late Latin centaurea, based on Greek kentauros 'centaur' (because its medicinal properties were said to have been discovered by the centaur Chiron).