colchicine

[ kol-chuh-seen, -sin, kol-kuh- ]

noun

, Pharmacology.

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

colchicine

/ -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

Word History and Origins

Origin of colchicine¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of colchicine¹

C19: from colchicum + -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

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

The medical examiner’s office halted the order for cremation, citing suspicious circumstances, according to a criminal complaint, and an autopsy showed Betty Bowman died from toxic effects of colchicine, a medicine used to treat gout.

From Seattle Times

In addition to identifying three drugs that treat COVID-19, the study helped rule out several others, including aspirin, the antimalarial hydroxychloroquine, the HIV drug combination lopinavir/ritonavir, and colchicine, an anti-inflammatory drug.

From Science Magazine