Gentianal

/dʒɛn.ʃiˈeɪ.nəl/ noun

Definition

A chemical compound found in gentian plants, involved in producing the characteristic bitter taste and medicinal properties.

Etymology

From gentian plus the chemical suffix -al, indicating an aldehyde or primary chemical compound derived from the plant.

Kelly Says

Gentianal is one of those 'secret ingredient' compounds that makes gentian so intensely bitter—your tongue detects it in incredibly tiny amounts because your taste buds are specialized to warn you away from potentially poisonous plants.

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