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

Half received colchicine, while the rest were given either a placebo or no added medication on top of their typical care.

From Science Daily • Nov. 12, 2025

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

The salicylate of colchicine is stable in water and may be given in doses of about one-thirtieth of a grain.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 6, Slice 6 "Cockaigne" to "Columbus, Christopher" by Various