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colchicum

Syllabification: (col·chi·cum)

Pronunciation: /ˈkälCHikəm, ˈkälki-/

Definition of colchicum

noun (plural colchicums)

a plant of a genus that includes the autumn crocuses.
- Genus Colchicum, family Liliaceae
the dried corm or seed of meadow saffron, which has analgesic properties and is used medicinally, especially as a tincture.

Origin:

from Latin, from Greek kolkhikon 'of Colchis' (see Colchis), alluding to the skills as a poisoner of the sorceress Medea of Colchis in classical mythology