Col"chi*cum (?), n. [L., a plant with a poisonous root, fr. Colchicus Colchian, fr. Colchis, Gr. , an ancient province in Asia, east of the Black Sea, where was the home of Media the sorceress.] Bot.
A genus of bulbous-rooted plants found in many parts of Europe, including the meadow saffron.
⇒ Preparations made from the poisonous bulbs and seeds, and perhaps from the flowers, of the Colchicum autumnale (meadow saffron) are used as remedies for gout and rheumatism.
© Webster 1913.