colchicine

American  

[kol-chuh-seen, -sin, kol-kuh-] / ˈkɒl tʃəˌsin, -sɪn, ˈkɒl kə- /

noun

Pharmacology.

1. a pale yellow, crystalline alkaloid, C 22 H 25 NO 6 , the active principle of colchicum.

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colchicine British  

/ -sɪn, ˈkɒltʃɪˌsiːn, ˈkɒlkɪ- /

noun

1. a pale-yellow crystalline alkaloid extracted from seeds or corms of the autumn crocus. It is used in the treatment of gout and to create polyploid plants by inhibiting chromosome separation during meiosis. Formula: C 22 H 25 NO 6

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Etymology

Origin of colchicine

First recorded in 1850–55; colchic(um) + -ine ²

Example Sentences

Only seven discussed drug-based treatment for gout, and these usually focused on short-term pain relief such as steroids or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like colchicine, ibuprofen, and naproxen.

From Science Daily

Researchers evaluated the impact of taking small doses of colchicine, a standard gout treatment, and reported no rise in serious side effects.

From Science Daily

The results showed that both sharks can taste bitter substances also perceived by humans, such as colchicine or bile acid.

From Science Daily

Colchicum corms contain colchicine, a powerful alkaloid that’s been used in pharmaceuticals for years.

From Seattle Times

After Ms. Bowman’s death, investigators collected information about Dr. Bowman’s internet searches, including research they said he had done earlier in August into the drug colchicine, which is used to treat gout.

From New York Times