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

The medicinal agent most relied on for the relief of pain is colchicum, which manifestly exercises a powerful 291 action on the disease.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 3 "Gordon, Lord George" to "Grasses" by Various

I have gout and blue devils on me, but you can always do more for me than colchicum if you say 'all right.'

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

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 Mill, John Stuart

He staid accordingly till three o'clock, left his patient out of all present danger, and advised Walter especially against allowing colchicum to be administered to him until his strength had recovered.

From A Perilous Secret by Reade, Charles

When gout has become chronic, colchicum, although of less service than in acute gout, is yet valuable, particularly when the inflammatory attacks recur.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 3 "Gordon, Lord George" to "Grasses" by Various