colchicum

[ kol-chi-kuhm, kol-ki- ]

noun

1. any Old World plant of the genus Colchicum, of the lily family, especially the autumn crocus, C. autumnale.
2. the dried seeds or corms of this plant.
3. Pharmacology. a medicine or drug prepared from them, used in medicine chiefly in the treatment of gout.

colchicum

/ ˈkɒlkɪ-; ˈkɒltʃɪkəm /

noun

1. any Eurasian liliaceous plant of the genus Colchicum, such as the autumn crocus
2. the dried seeds or corms of the autumn crocus: a source of colchicine

Word History and Origins

Origin of colchicum¹

1590–1600; < New Latin, Latin < Greek kolchikón meadow saffron, noun use of neuter of Kolchikós of Colchis, apparently by association with Medea, the plant being considered poisonous

Word History and Origins

Origin of colchicum¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek kolkhikon, from kolkhikos of Colchis

Example Sentences

All the preparations of colchicum are poisonous in large doses.

From Project Gutenberg

This extract is given in the usual cases in which colchicum is employed.

From Project Gutenberg

Some cause violent pain, as colchicum, hellebore, and aconite.

From Project Gutenberg

She and it belonged to his first volume, and neither crocus nor colchicum had been added at the date of which I write.

From Project Gutenberg

A mixture of wine of colchicum, wine of opium, and tincture of saffron.

From Project Gutenberg