colchicum

American  

[kol-chi-kuhm, kol-ki-] / ˈkɒl tʃɪ kəm, ˈkɒl kɪ- /

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.

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colchicum British  

/ ˈkɒltʃɪkəm, ˈkɒlkɪ- /

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

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Etymology

Origin of colchicum

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

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

colchicum

Will ye believe me when I tell ye that I cannot for the life o’ me remember where I put the jar o’ colchicum?’

From By Veldt and Kopje by W. C. (William Charles) Scully

Rheumatism and acute inflammation of the eye next attacked him, and were treated by cupping, blistering, and colchicum.

From How to Get on in the World A Ladder to Practical Success by Major A.R. Calhoon

Of these the most familiar are those that relate to the efficacy of the substances known as Specifics for particular diseases, “quinine, colchicum, lime-juice, cod-liver oil,”151 and a few others.

From A System Of Logic, Ratiocinative And Inductive by John Stuart Mill

Every fresh speech of Gladstone gives me a fresh seizure, and his last 'bunkum' at Aberdeen has cost me a pint of colchicum.

From Charles Lever, His Life in His Letters, Vol. II by Edmund Downey

That shocking thing that drives people mad colocynth, or colchicum, or something like that.

From The Daltons, Volume I (of II) Or,Three Roads In Life by Charles James Lever