Cĕnʹtau-ry, n.

n. [Lat. centaureum and centuria, N. Lat. centaurea, Gr. κενταύριον, κενταύρειον, κενταυρίς, and κενταύριον, from κένταυρος, Centaurian, of Centaurs, because the Centaur Chiron discovered first the medicinal power of this plant.] (Bot.) A plant (Centaurea) of several species, some of which are common weeds in meadows and cultivated fields; others are cultivated for ornamental purposes.

London.