dog's-tooth violet: A genus of the monogynia order, belonging to the hexandra clas of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 11th order, Sarmentaceae. The corolla is hexapetalous and campanulated; with a nectarium of two tubercles adhering to the inner base of every other petal. There is only one species, which, however, admits of several varieties in its flowers, as white, purple, pale red, dark red, crimson, and yellow. The plants are low and herbaceous, with a purple stalk and hexapetalous flowers. All the varieties are hardy and durable; and may be planted in small patches in borders, where they will make a good appearance. They rarely perfect their seeds in this country, but may be propagated by offsets. In Siberia, according to Gmelin, they dry and mix the root of this plant with their soup. It grows there in great abundance; and is called by the people of the country bes.