COLCHICUM

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.