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

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

From Science Daily • Nov. 13, 2023

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

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2023

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 • Oct. 25, 2023

Likewise, the WHO recently recommended against using the gout drug colchicine or fluvoxamine for non-severe COVID-191.

From Scientific American • Jul. 20, 2022

There are a number of fundamental research problems in the plant sciences associated with the treatment of plants with colchicine.

From Northern Nut Growers Association Report of the Proceedings at the 43rd Annual Meeting Rockport, Indiana, August 25, 26 and 27, 1952 by Northern Nut Growers Association