Cōl'chi·cum, n.

(kŏl'kĭ-kŭm), n. [Lat., a plant with a poisonous root, from Colchicus, Colchian, equivalent to poisonous, from Medea, celebrated for her poisons, who came from Colchis, Gr. Κολχίς, a province in Asia east of the Black Sea; Gr. κολχικόν, Fr. colchique.] (Bot.) A genus of bulbous-rooted plants found in many parts of Europe, including the meadow saffron.

☞ From the bulbs of the Colchicum autumnale a medicine is prepared, which is used as a remedy for the gout and rheumatism. Loudon.