Definition of "crystal violet" [crystal violet]

• A dye derived from gentian violet that is used as a general biological stain and an acid-base indicator. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.